Basophils (BASO)

The role of basophils (BASO) in the body

Basophils are the rarest white blood cells (0-1% of WBC), but extremely important ‘signalers’ of the immune system. They contain granules with histamine and heparin.

Key features:

1. Triggering allergic reactions (histamine release)
2. Anticoagulant action (heparin)
3. Control of parasites
4. Involvement in inflammatory processes
5. Regulation of the immune response

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Norm of basophils in the blood test

Parameter	Absolute value (×10⁹/L)	Percentage of WBC
Adults	0.01–0.065	0–1%
Children	0–0.1	0–1.5%

Note: A physiological increase is possible during ovulation in women.

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Reduced basophils (Basopenia)

Critical level: 0 × 10⁹/L (often not clinically relevant)

Main reasons:

• Acute stress
• Hyperthyroidism
• Acute infections
• Taking corticosteroids
• Pregnancy

Symptoms:
Usually absent, they can disguise themselves as the underlying disease

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Elevated basophils (Basophilia)

Significant increase: >0.1 ×10⁹/l

Main reasons:

1. Allergic reactions
2. Chronic inflammation
3. Hematological diseases
4. Endocrine disorders
5. Autoimmune processes

Typical symptoms:

• Skin pruritus, urticaria
• Redness of the skin
• Suffocation attacks (with allergies)
• Joint pain (due to autoimmune processes)
• Enlargement of the spleen (in hematological diseases)

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What should I do if there are deviations?

With basophilia:

1. Allergological examination
2. IgE Analysis
3. Elimination of chronic inflammation (CRP)
4. Consultation of a hematologist with a persistent increase in blood pressure
5. Bone marrow examination for suspected leukemia

For basopenia:

1. Usually does not require treatment
2. Monitoring when taking hormonal medications
3. Thyroid function study

Important: Basophilia >2% requires special attention – it can be an early sign of myeloproliferative diseases!