Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC)

• Test Name: Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) Test
• Test Type: Blood count analysis
• Specimen Required: Blood sample, typically collected via venipuncture.
• Purpose: Measures the exact number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in a microliter of blood to evaluate immune responses or allergic conditions.
• Methodology: An automated haematology analyzer is used to quantify eosinophils in the blood sample.

• Diagnosis of Allergies: Helps identify allergic reactions such as asthma, hay fever, and drug allergies.
• Parasite Infections: Assists in diagnosing parasitic infections like helminthiasis.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Monitors autoimmune diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis or Churg-Strauss syndrome.
• Cancer Detection: Can aid in diagnosing certain cancers, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Evaluation of Drug Reactions: Identifies elevated eosinophil counts due to drug-induced reactions.

• Eosinophil Measurement: Quantifies the absolute number of eosinophils per microliter of blood.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This may be part of a CBC test to assess overall blood cell health and function.
• Blood Smear: In some cases, a blood smear may be performed to evaluate the appearance of eosinophils.

• Normal Eosinophil Count: Typically between 30 to 350 cells per microliter of blood.
• Elevated Eosinophil Count (Eosinophilia): Indicates allergic reactions, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers.
• Low Eosinophil Count: Rarely a concern but could be seen in cases of acute infections or stress responses.
• Mild, Moderate, or Severe Eosinophilia: Classified based on eosinophil levels, aiding in diagnosing the severity of underlying conditions.

• Turnaround Time: Results are generally available within a few hours to one day.
• Reporting: Results are provided as the absolute number of eosinophils per microliter of blood, and may also include interpretation of the levels in relation to normal ranges.
• Follow-up: Based on abnormal results, further tests or referrals to specialists (e.g., allergists, and infectious disease experts) may be recommended.
• Clinical Action: Elevated eosinophils may prompt treatments for allergies, infections, or autoimmune disorders.

Q. What is the Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) Test?
The AEC test measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood, which helps detect allergic reactions, infections, and other conditions
 

Q. Why is the AEC test done?
This test is performed to investigate symptoms of allergies, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, or unexplained immune responses
 

Q. What is the normal range for eosinophils?
A normal eosinophil count is typically between 30 to 350 cells per microliter of blood. Values outside this range may indicate health issues
 

Q. What can cause high eosinophil levels?
Elevated eosinophil levels (eosinophilia) may be caused by allergic reactions, asthma, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, or some cancers
 

Q. How do I prepare for the AEC test?
No special preparation is needed, but inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you're taking as they may affect test results
 

Q. What happens if my eosinophil count is high?
Your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause, such as allergies, parasitic infections, or other immune-related conditions
 

Q. Is the AEC test part of a routine blood test?
Yes, it is often included as part of a complete blood count (CBC) but can also be ordered separately if there's a specific concern about eosinophil levels