Absolute eosinophil count
Key points
- This is a test to measure the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.
- Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
- Eosinophils are white blood cells active in allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and other disorders.
Alternative names
Eosinophils; Eosinophil count - absolute
Definition
This is a test to measure the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. (See also blood differential.)
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
In the laboratory, the blood is placed on a microscope slide and a stain is added that causes eosinophils to show orange-red granules. The technician then counts how many eosinophils there are per 100 cells. The percentage of eosinophils is multiplied by the white blood cell count to give the absolute eosinophil count.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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