Eosinophils is a type of White Blood Cell (WBCs) that fights foreign substances and fights diseases. They serve as a defence mechanism and are an important part of your immune system. These cells fight the invading bacteria, viruses and infections in your body and, in a way, are fighter cells. Your body regularly produces them in the bone marrow. If the body has an infection or disease, a higher number of eosinophils are produced. They then start moving to the affected site or organ to fight off the infection.
AEC (Absolute Eosinophil Count) Test is a blood test to measure the number of eosinophils in the blood. It is used to confirm a diagnosis of a medical condition.
What is an AEC Test used for?
The AEC (Absolute Eosinophil Count) Test is used to detect the hidden or known allergic reaction to any medication, parasitic infection, disease, or any other medical condition.
Why do I need an AEC Test?
You need an AEC test if you have symptoms like cold, cough, respiratory congestion, sore throat, asthma, itchy eyes, abdominal pain, skin allergy. This test is also recommended for diagnosis of certain diseases such as parasitic infections, early stages of Cushing’s disease, or Acute Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.
Understanding the results of AEC (Absolute Eosinophil count) Test
A high eosinophil cell count in the AEC (Absolute Eosinophil count) Test result indicates a hidden or known infection that our immune system is trying to fight off.
What happens during an AEC Test?
A sample of the blood is taken from the arm. The area from where the blood is drawn is cleaned with a swab of antiseptic solution before the needle is inserted into your vein. This needle is attached to a tube known as a vacutainer in which the blood is collected.Â
Once the required amount of blood is drawn, the needle is removed and a gauze pad is used to cover that area. Normally, the lab technician writes your name and details on the vacutainer before collecting the blood sample.
Is fasting required for the AEC test?
No, you are not required to fast for the AEC test; however, intimate your doctor about your ongoing medications.
No, you are not required to fast for the AEC test; however, intimate your doctor about your ongoing medications.
The normal AEC range is considered to be 30-350 cells/microlitre of blood. If this count exceeds 450 to 550 cells/microlitre of blood, it is considered to be elevated.
What is the absolute eosinophil count in a blood test?
Human blood is composed of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), platelets, types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) and plasma. Absolute Eosinophil Count Test is a blood test to measure the number of eosinophils.
How should you prepare for the AEC Test?
There is no special preparation required for the test, but ensure you wear slightly loose sleeves so that they can be folded to give comfortable access to the area on your arm to collect the blood sample.
Certain medications can increase the eosinophil count, so inform your doctor about any medications or blood thinner you are on before going through the test.
Why is it necessary to check the Eosinophil count?
If you have symptoms indicating any type of infection, disease or allergy, the eosinophil count in the blood helps the doctor to confirm a diagnosis. It is done along with other clinical investigations and physical parameter checks particular to your condition.
Are there any Eosinophil Count complications?
At times, the inflammation or count is greater than the required limits. This can lead to damage to your tissues or other health conditions like immune system disorders. Lower eosinophil counts are not much of concern but must still be diagnosed by the doctor if alcohol abuse or Cushing’s disease is found. High eosinophil count is worrisome as it indicates conditions like allergies, drug reactions, skin infections, asthma, parasite infections, autoimmune issues, Churg-Strauss Syndrome, a few malignancies and metabolic disorders.
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