Basophils levels: what's normal, high and low
The least common white blood cell, involved in allergic and inflammatory responses.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Basophils is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 2.00 %. At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as CBC with Differential, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- %
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $21.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Basophils Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 2.00 % |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a high Basophils mean?
Basophils are the rarest white cell, so a high percentage often reflects a small absolute rise of little consequence — allergy, chronic inflammation, hypothyroidism, recovery from infection or spleen removal. A persistently high absolute count (above ~0.2 × 10³/µL), especially with other abnormal counts, is evaluated for myeloproliferative disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia, where basophilia is a classic feature.
Common causes of a high Basophils
- Allergic conditions, chronic urticaria
- Chronic inflammation: inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
- Recovery from infection, after spleen removal
- Chronic myeloid leukemia and other myeloproliferative disorders (persistent, with other changes)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Usually none
- Itching, hives, flushing with allergic causes
What clinicians usually check next
- Check the absolute count, not just the percentage; repeat in 4–6 weeks
- TSH, CRP
- Peripheral smear and hematology review if persistent or with high white count, high platelets or splenomegaly
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
Is 2% basophils high?
It is the top of the reference range and almost always meaningless if the total white count is normal. An absolute count over 0.2 that persists is what gets a second look.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Basophils test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Basophils is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CBC with Differential | This marker only | $21.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $49.99 |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | 5 tests | $74.99 |
| Peptide Essentials Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
| Fatty Liver Panel | 6 tests | $92.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Basophils: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $21.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $21.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $18.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Blood Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Basophils.
Frequently asked
What does a high Basophils mean?
Basophils are the rarest white cell, so a high percentage often reflects a small absolute rise of little consequence — allergy, chronic inflammation, hypothyroidism, recovery from infection or spleen removal. A persistently high absolute count (above ~0.2 × 10³/µL), especially with other abnormal counts, is evaluated for myeloproliferative disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia, where basophilia is a classic feature.
Is 2% basophils high?
It is the top of the reference range and almost always meaningless if the total white count is normal. An absolute count over 0.2 that persists is what gets a second look.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my basophils?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Basophils results?
Most Basophils results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Basophils test cost?
Our CBC with Differential starts at $21.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Basophils test?
Fasting is not required for the Basophils test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Basophils test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your basophils?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $21.99.