Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC)

Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) Overview

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. An increase in eosinophils may indicate that your body is fighting an infection or an allergic reaction. All five types of white blood cells are produced by our bone marrow. It constantly replaces the supply of white blood cells. Each white blood cell can be found in the bloodstream for several hours to several days. 

Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) Overview

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. An increase in eosinophils may indicate that your body is fighting an infection or an allergic reaction. All five types of white blood cells are produced by our bone marrow. It constantly replaces the supply of white blood cells. Each white blood cell can be found in the bloodstream for several hours to several days. 

What does the eosinophil count mean?

Eosinophils are a type of WBC that is found in various tissues throughout the body. These marrows are in charge of replenishing all white blood cells in the body. 

The eosinophil count is a test that can determine the number of eosinophils in the body. Doctors can use your eosinophil count to identify how many eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are in your system. 

Eosinophilic esophagitis (an oesophageal illness) and eosinophilic colitis are two conditions in which there are too many eosinophils in the body (in your large intestine). Eosinophilic diseases can also occur in the stomach, small intestine, blood, and other organs. A biopsy may reveal that you have a large number of eosinophils in your tissues but not in your blood. 

Who needs an Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) test? 

This test may be ordered by your doctor to get a better picture of your general health. It can assist in determining whether you have an infection, parasite, or another health problem, such as an autoimmune illness or leukaemia.

It is advised: 

• When there are symptoms of an allergy to one or more chemicals, such as red itchy eyes, coughing, nasal congestion, asthma, dermatitis, or abdominal pain. When it comes to parasite infestations. Cushing's illness is in its early stages. To identify the acute hypereosinophilic syndrome.
• Those who suffer from food allergies need to have this test.
• Can occur as a result of alcohol intoxication.
• Gastrointestinal conditions.
• Excessive production of cortisol due to steroids
• Immune diseases — Eosinophilia can occur in people with immunodeficiencies (for example, hyper-IgE syndrome, Omenn syndrome, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome [ALPS]) and autoimmune disorders (for example, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and IgG4 disease). The clinical appearance and outcomes of the initial evaluation influence diagnostic tests.
• Eosinophilia is a symptom of some primary immunodeficiency syndromes,
• which may affect children more frequently than adults.
• The eosinophil count is known to rise in several malignancies, particularly
• blood cancers, including:
  Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-lymphoma Hodgkin's
  Leukaemia (including eosinophilic leukaemia, adult T-cell lymphoma, and chronic myeloid leukaemia)
  Intestinal cancer
  Lung cancer

 Preparation and procedure of Absolute Eosinophil Count test

 Unlike other standard blood tests, this one does not require fasting. There is no additional preparation necessary. It is recommended that the test taker inform their doctor or test provider about any medical issues or allergies that may occur. The doctor must also be told of any additional medications that the test taker is taking, after which the doctor will offer the person particular recommendations. Because the test is done on the forearm, it is recommended that the test taker wear a shirt or t-shirt that exposes the forearm or is loose enough to roll up. 

A qualified technique takes the blood sample in a lab, hospital, or at home. The inside of your elbow is typically where blood is drawn. 

• A cotton pad is used to apply alcohol to the region first.
• Blood is drawn by inserting a disposable needle into a visible vein in this region.
• Then, this is kept along with the person's information in a particular container.
• This sample is delivered to the research lab for analysis. 

Analysis & Result of an Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) test 

Adult blood samples typically contain fewer than 500 eosinophil cells per microliter (mL) of blood. Trusted Source Eosinophil levels change with age in children. 

Interpretation 

The mild or normal eosinophil count ranges from 30 to 350 cells per microliter of blood. Eosinophilia is categorised by medical specialists into one of three groups. Among them is Trusted Source:

Mild (500–1,500 eosinophil cells per mL) (500–1,500 eosinophil cells per mL)
Moderate (1,500–5,000 eosinophil cells per mL) (1,500–5,000 eosinophil cells per mL)
Severe (more than 5,000 eosinophil cells per mL) (greater than 5,000 eosinophil cells per mL).

A condition called eosinophilia is indicated if there are more than 500 eosinophil cells per microliter. It may be urgent if your eosinophil count is extremely high. If left untreated, it might damage several organs.

To confirm a diagnosis, the eosinophil count is used. The test cannot determine if the increased cell count is due to a parasite infection or an allergy. Doctors may perform another test after observing the Eosinophil counts.

Suggested Treatment after an eosinophil count test as per the doctor

• Suggested Treatment after an eosinophil count test as per the doctor
• A doctor may recommend high-dose corticosteroids if you have severe eosinophilia or symptoms that suggest your organs may be damaged. Doctors may turn to monoclonal antibodies or immunomodulators if this steroid therapy fails to lower your eosinophil levels.
• A doctor may order additional tests to identify the specific autoimmune illness you have if your eosinophil count suggests that you have it. It is crucial to consult a doctor to identify the underlying reason for high eosinophil levels because other disorders can also produce these levels.

 Risks associated with the test

 As with the blood test, there is a small chance of slight bruising at the needle site.

• In rare circumstances, the vein may swell after blood is extracted.
• If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, you may experience excessive bleeding.