Rare white cells involved in allergic and inflammatory responses.
What it is
Absolute basophil count in ×10⁹/L; normally present in very small numbers.
Basophils are the least numerous granulocytes on a standard differential. Absolute counts in ×10⁹/L are tiny in health. They share histamine-rich biology with tissue mast cells.
Why it matters
Basophils normally sit at very low counts. Increases are uncommon; when present they are interpreted with allergy history, medicines, and the rest of the differential. Tiny fluctuations often have no practical consequence.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
How it affects the body
Basophils release histamine and other mediators that amplify allergic and inflammatory cascades, working alongside mast cells in tissues.
For athletes
Almost never a performance marker. Investigate only if your clinician is concerned about the wider blood count or allergic disease affecting training.
