What are eosinophils?
An eosinophil is a white blood cell that ingests foreign cells, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. This test is included in Nordic Wellth’s Complete Blood Count CBC) test.
Why test eosinophils?
Eosinophils are included in a detailed white blood cell test, in which different white blood cells are examined to look for abnormalities. This test is sometimes used when investigating allergies and asthma and can help you discover risk factors for lifestyle diseases. A WBC differential is often part of a routine check when you have diverse symptoms, or monitor changes to your blood values as you make lifestyle changes or undergo treatments.
What do the results mean?
What causes high eosinophils?
Known as eosinophilia, elevated levels of eosinophils can be caused by allergies, intestinal parasites, rheumatic conditions and inflammatory conditions.
Symptoms of high eosinophils
High eosinophils, or eosinophilia, can cause symptoms like allergic reactions (hay fever, asthma, eczema) and gastrointestinal issues (abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss). Severe cases may lead to organ damage, particularly in the heart and lungs, causing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and persistent cough. Eosinophilia can result from parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and allergic conditions, requiring medical evaluation and treatment.
What causes low eosinophils?
Known as eosinopenia, low levels of eosinophils are considered a normal result. One, or an occasional low number is not usually considered medically significant. Increased adrenal steroid production can cause low levels of eosinophils.
Symptoms of low eosinophils
Low eosinophils, or eosinopenia, are usually asymptomatic and less concerning. They can occur due to acute infections, stress, or corticosteroid use. Symptoms related to the underlying cause may include fever, chills, fatigue, anxiety, weakness, and unexplained weight changes. While eosinopenia is not typically problematic, addressing any underlying conditions is important for overall health.
More information
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Reference ranges are not perfect and approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparations for this test
No preparation is needed for this test.
On the day of the test
Always take your ID with you when going for a test.
Arrive in good time and sit down quietly for 15 minutes before the test is taken.