Absolute Eosinophil Count Test
An absolute eosinophil count (AEC) test is a blood test that measures the number of eosinophils in the blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune response and are involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
The AEC test is usually ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the number and types of cells in the blood. The AEC test provides information on the number of eosinophils present per microliter (µL) of blood.
An increased AEC level may indicate an allergic or parasitic infection, while a decreased AEC level may be associated with certain medications or autoimmune disorders. The AEC test is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical assessments to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that are involved in the body’s response to infections, allergic reactions, and inflammation. Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and tissues throughout the body. The normal range for AEC varies slightly depending on the laboratory, but typically falls between 40 and 440 cells per microliter (µL) of blood.
A high AEC level may be seen in a variety of conditions, such as allergic reactions, asthma, eczema, drug reactions, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. It is important to note that an elevated AEC level alone does not necessarily indicate a specific diagnosis and additional testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
A low AEC level may be seen in certain medications, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy, as well as in some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
It is important to discuss the results of the AEC test with a healthcare provider, as they can provide more information about what the results mean and how they relate to an individual’s specific health situation.
What is Eosinophil Cell
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune system’s response to parasitic infections, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions. They are characterized by their distinct granules, which take up a reddish-orange stain called eosin.
Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. When they encounter a foreign substance or allergen, they migrate to the site of inflammation and release chemicals that help to control the inflammatory response. Eosinophils also play a role in asthma and other allergic reactions, as well as in certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood, called eosinophilia, can be a sign of parasitic infections, allergic reactions, or other medical conditions
Clinical Significance : –
Increased eosinophil count is often associated with allergic reaction , parasitic infections , brucellosis and in certain leukemias . Increase in the adrenal function ( hyperadrenalism or Cushings syndrome ) is associated with a fall in eosinophil count .
Normal Range
| Male / female | 40 – 440 / Cumm ( microlitter ) |
Specimen
EDTA or heparinized blood
Principle
Blood is diluted with a special diluting fluid , which removes red cells and stains the eosinophils red . These cells are then counted under low power ( 10 X ) in a known volume of fluid by using Neubauer counting chamber .
Requirements
1 . Microscope
2 . Improved Neubauer chamber or Fuch – Rosenthal counting chamber
3 . Diluting fluid ( Hinglemans solutions )
It is prepared as follows
a ) yellow eosin = 0 . 5 g
b ) 95 % phenol = 0 . 5 ml
c ) Formalin = 0 . 5 ml
d ) Distilled water = 99 ml
Procedure : –
- pipette 0 . 36 ml of diluting fluid in a test tube .
- Add 0 . 04 ml of blood ( used Hn pipette twice )
- Mix and keep for 10 minutes .
- Mix the diluent and charge the counting chamber .
- Let it stand under a moist Petri dish for about 2 to 3 minutes .
- Count the cells ( eosinophils ) under low power objective with reduced light .
If improved Neubauer counting chamber is used , count cells in all nine squares ( In the case of total leukocyte count only four squares at the corner are used ) .
- Calculations : –
Total number of eosinophils Cumm = Number of cells counted × 10 / 0. 9