Eosinophil Count Test Price in Pakistan: Rs 280 at Marham Lab

An absolute eosinophil count measures the number of one type of white blood cell. MedlinePlus explains that an absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils, and that eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections, and other medical conditions. At Marham Lab it costs Rs 280, reduced from Rs 400.

Putting the limitation first, because it decides what happens next.

MedlinePlus states that the eosinophil count is used to help confirm a diagnosis, and then adds plainly: the test cannot tell if the higher number of cells is caused by allergy or parasite infection.

In Pakistan those are the two usual answers, and they need opposite treatments. Allergy and asthma get inhalers and antihistamines. Worms get deworming medicine. A raised eosinophil count says one of these is happening without saying which, so the count is a reason to see a doctor who can ask about itching, wheeze, rash, stool symptoms and travel, rather than a reason to self-medicate.

MedlinePlus states that a normal eosinophil count is less than 500 cells per microlitre. It adds that normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories, that some use different measurements or may test different specimens, and that you should talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific results.

Worth knowing, because it explains why the percentage on your CBC is not the same number.

MedlinePlus explains that in the lab the blood is placed on a microscope slide and a stain is added, which causes eosinophils to show up as orange-red granules. The technician counts how many eosinophils are present per 100 cells, and then the percentage of eosinophils is multiplied by the white blood cell count to give the absolute eosinophil count.

So a high percentage with a low white cell count can give a normal absolute figure, and the reverse happens too. The absolute number is the one doctors act on.

MedlinePlus calls a high count eosinophilia and says it is often linked to a variety of disorders. The causes it lists:

• Adrenal gland deficiency
• Allergic disease, including hay fever
• Asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• Eczema
• Fungal infections
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome
• Leukaemia and other blood disorders
• Lymphoma
• Parasite infection, such as worms

The bolded ones are the everyday answers. Blood cancers appear on the list and are far less common than allergy, asthma, eczema and worms. MedlinePlus separately notes the test may help diagnose acute hypereosinophilic syndrome, which it describes as a rare, sometimes fatal leukaemia-like condition, along with allergic reaction including how severe it is, cancer, early stages of Addison disease, parasite infection and vasculitis.

MedlinePlus is specific, and these are easy to miss.

• Amphetamines, used as appetite suppressants
• Certain laxatives containing psyllium, which is ispaghol
• Certain antibiotics
• Interferon
• Tranquillisers

Ispaghol husk is in many Pakistani households for constipation. Tell your doctor about it, along with every antibiotic and over-the-counter medicine, since MedlinePlus notes some medicines may change the test results.