AEC Test (Absolute Eosinophil Count)

AEC Test: quick answers

AEC Test full form

Absolute Eosinophil Count

AEC Test price

₹289, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

Normal adult range: About 20 to 500 cells per microlitre; Mild eosinophilia: About 500 to 1,500 cells per microlitre more

Done for

Repeated sneezing, wheeze, cough or breathlessness that may be allergic or asthma; Itchy skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria; Suspected worm or other parasite infection

Fasting

Not required

Report

Same day / 24 hours

What is the AEC Test?

The AEC test is the Absolute Eosinophil Count: the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in each microlitre of blood. Eosinophils rise in allergy, asthma, skin conditions and worm infections, so the count helps a doctor see whether an allergic or parasitic cause is likely.

AEC Test normal range

The AEC is the eosinophil percentage multiplied by the total white cell count, so it can be reported by a counting machine or worked out from a CBC. Labs print slightly different ranges; the range on your own report is the one that applies to you.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your AEC Test result means

High (eosinophilia)

Often seen with allergy, asthma, eczema and worm infections. Less often it goes with drug reactions or blood and immune conditions. A doctor looks at symptoms and may order stool tests, IgE or a smear to find the cause.

Normal

No raised eosinophils. This does not rule out allergy, because many allergic people have a normal count between episodes.

Low

Eosinophils can fall during acute infection or stress and with steroid medicines. A low count on its own is rarely a concern.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the AEC Test done?

• Repeated sneezing, wheeze, cough or breathlessness that may be allergic or asthma
• Itchy skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria
• Suspected worm or other parasite infection
• A high eosinophil percentage on a CBC, to get the actual count
• Monitoring eosinophils in people on certain medicines, as advised by a doctor

What does the AEC Test (Absolute Eosinophil Count) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

AEC Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• No fasting is required; a blood sample will be drawn from your arm as usual. Tell the technician if you are taking steroids or have any allergies, as these can affect the result.

Frequently asked questions