Basophils · high result
What does a high Basophils mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Basophils?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 2.00 %
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Basophils biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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)
What symptoms go with high Basophils?
- Usually none
- Itching, hives, flushing with allergic causes
What do 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 available at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
How do you recheck Basophils?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Blood Clotting Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $149.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| CBC with Differential | Test · 14 biomarkers | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
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 content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.