Eosinophil count - absolute

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

(Page 2)

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people may feel moderate pain. Others may feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Eosinophils are white blood cells active in allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and other disorders. An eosinophil count may be ordered if the blood differential is abnormal, or if there is suspicion of specific diseases.

The eosinophil count may help your doctor:

• Detect an allergic reaction and assess its severity
• Detect a parasitic infection
• Evaluate Hodgkin's disease
• Assess sensitivity to drugs (particularly some anticoagulants)
• Confirm acute hypereosinophilic syndrome (rare but sometimes fatal leukemia-like condition)

Review Date: 02/03/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.