ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHIL COUNT

The Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) is a blood test used to measure the number of eosinophils in the

blood. These are white cells that belong to a group called granulocytes. Eosinophils belong to one

category referred to as granulocytes and are vital players in the body’s immune system especially when it comes to fighting parasites and allergic reactions.

It is an uncomplicated and rapid test done through flow cytometry or automated counting. Thereafter, using special equipment like microscopes, such cells are analysed by being passed through them.

The count is measured per cubic millimetre of blood. For this reason, these measurements serve doctors well during diagnosis and follow-up of conditions with abnormal counts.

The AEC is mostly done to:

1. Detect and follow the course of diseases such as asthma, allergic reactions, and parasitic infections

2. Monitor response to treatment in conditions where eosinophils are raised

3. Determine causes for unexplained symptoms including fatigue, fever or weight loss among other signs

Although relatively safe test, the AEC carries minimal risk of:

1. Bleeding or bruising at the site where blood was drawn

2. Infection

3. Allergic reaction to equipment/materials used for testing

Limitations of the AEC test include:

1. Different eosinophil counts may occur for example; at different times of day, during stressful situations and while taking particular medications.

2. A test may either fail to show significant results or may fail to detect other underlying medical conditions unrelated to irregular eosinophils.

3. There might be a failure by this procedure in detecting some situations which do not cause abnormal levels of eosinophils.

1. The thousands of eosinophils/mm3

2. Eosinophils in peripheral blood smear: 1-6% of total WBC count.

The Aim Group Reviews suggests that absolute eosinophil count test is for you if you:

• Have symptoms related to allergies or parasitic infections;
• Have a family history of conditions with eosinophilia;
• Take medication that may affect your eosinophil counts.

AES gives doctors and patients information such as:

1. Diagnosing and monitoring disorders linked to eosinophilia;

2. Assessing how well treatment for such conditions, like asthma, is working;

3. Detecting possible health problems early on.

This will help diagnose diseases/conditions such as:

1. Allergies

2. Asthma

3. Eosinophilic pneumonia

4. Parasites

5. Inflammatory bowel disease.

People who are scheduled to have this test are advised to do these things:

1. Follow any specific instructions given by their healthcare provider

2. Avoid doing strenuous activity, being stressed out or taking certain medications before going for the test.

3. It could be either fasting or non- fasting as per the requirements of the test.

Pre-requisites: A medical doctor’s recommendation.

Eligibility: Everybody with a condition or symptom that necessitates an eosinophil count

Procedure for Taking the Test A needle and syringe are used to draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm.

Caution before taking test: Notify your healthcare provider if you have any drug reactions, have ever had complications with bleeding.