Basophils
Basophils are the rarest circulating granulocytes and release histamine and heparin during allergic and inflammatory reactions. Elevations can occur with chronic inflammation, hypothyroidism, or myeloproliferative disorders including chronic myeloid leukemia. Low counts are common during acute infection, stress, or pregnancy and rarely clinically meaningful alone.
Optimal range: who says what
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for Basophils. How we verify ranges.
- General guidance, no named sourceWithin referenceNo separate optimal established
- Published reference interval0.5-1%Medscape
- Lab reference interval0-1% or 0-0.1 x10^9/LWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
20 of 21 itemized panels
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Why Basophils matters
Release histamine during allergic reactions. Elevated in some blood cancers and allergic conditions. Rarely clinically significant alone.
Reading a Basophils result
Basophils are the smallest fraction of white cells, about 0.5 to 1% (MedlinePlus). Because the numbers are small, convert to an absolute count (WBC x percentage) and compare it with the lab's own interval before reading anything into a flag.
Common causes of a high result
- Allergic reaction
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia and other myeloproliferative diseases
- Collagen vascular disease
- After removal of the spleen
- Chickenpox
Common causes of a low result
- Acute infection
- Severe injury
- Cancer
What to check next
- The rest of the differential and a repeat CBC to see the trend (StatPearls)
- If basophilia persists alongside other abnormal counts: a hematology workup for a myeloproliferative disease. ARUP lists BCR::ABL1 (Philadelphia chromosome) testing as the way to rule chronic myeloid leukemia in or out
Sources: MedlinePlus: Blood differential test; StatPearls: Leukocytosis (Mank, Killeen); ARUP Consult: Myeloproliferative neoplasms. Checked against these sources 2026-09-23. General information, not medical advice; your lab's reference interval and your clinician's reading take precedence.
Which Providers Test Basophils?
Cheapest: Oura Health Panels at $99/year. Most comprehensive: Function Health, 160+ biomarkers for $365/year.
20 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $99 | 50 | $1.98 | |
| $190 | 100+ | $1.90 | |
| $250 | 65 | $3.85 | |
| $297 | 100+ | $2.97 | |
 Labcorp OnDemand | $338 | 50+ | $6.76 |
 Superpower | $349 | 100+ | $3.49 |
| $349 | 75+ | $4.65 | |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | $349 | 65 | $5.37 |
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $375 | 108 | $3.47 | |
| $449 | 83 | $5.41 | |
| $495 | 80+ | $6.19 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $829 | 54 | $15.35 | |
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $1188 | 70+ | $16.97 | |
| $1198 | 40+ | $29.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
1 itemized panel does not include Basophils
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Basophils. Check with them directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Basophils?
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for Basophils. General guidance without a named source: Within reference (No separate optimal established). Published reference intervals: 0.5-1% (Medscape). Lab reference interval: 0-1% or 0-0.1 x10^9/L. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Basophils?
20 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Basophils in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 23, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025