Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that can reveal a lot about health. An absolute eosinophil count or AEC test is a blood test that helps check for the level of eosinophils in the blood and check for the presence of certain health conditions. 

What is an AEC test?

An Absolute Eosinophil Count or AEC blood test is a type of blood test performed to check for the number of eosinophil cells present within the derived blood sample. Eosinophils are white blood cells responsible for ensuring healthy immune function in the body. They help in protecting the body by managing the allergic response of the body. 

An increased AEC test result can indicate various conditions, such as severe allergic reactions, parasitic infections, or some types of cancers. On the other hand, a low AEC count may hint towards the presence of certain infections or bone marrow disorders. The doctors typically suggest this test when a patient has symptoms that could be indicative of allergies or parasitic infections.

When Should You Get The AEC Test Done?

A doctor generally suggests an AEC if they notice abnormal eosinophil levels while performing a white blood count differential test. This test is performed in conjunction with a complete blood count (CBC) test. The purpose of a CBC is to assess the different types of white blood cells within the bloodstream, and determine underlying health conditions. 

This test can also indicate whether an individual has an elevated or reduced white blood cell count, which can happen in response to a range of diseases. Healthcare providers may also request this test if they have doubts regarding particular medical conditions or ailments, such as severe allergic reactions, adverse reactions to medications, or infections caused by parasites. 

Procedure for AEC Blood Test 

An AEC test is performed in a couple of uncomplicated steps. Here’s how the AEC test is performed: 

• The test site is cleaned using a cotton swab and antiseptic solution. 
• Then, a needle is inserted into the vein. The needle is connected to a tube for blood collection. 
• Once the sample is derived, the needle is removed and the site is covered with a bandage. 
• The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for the necessary evaluations. 

Uses of AEC Test 

The Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) test can be a helpful diagnostic tool in various ways. Let’s look at some uses of the AEC test: 

• Diagnosing allergies: An AEC test is often performed to diagnose allergic conditions. If an elevated eosinophil level in the blood is detected, it may indicate the presence of allergies in the body. These allergies may include conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and more.
• Monitoring Any Allergic Reactions:  If an allergic reaction is diagnosed, this test can help doctors monitor the allergic reactions and how it’s responding to allergy treatments. A low eosinophil count can hint towards improved control of allergic conditions.
• Detecting Parasite Infections: This test is also considered viable in identifying parasitic infections, as eosinophils are often mobilised by the immune system in response to parasitic infestations. 
• Assessing Eosinophilic Disorders: Sometimes, medical conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome), can cause significantly high eosinophil count in the body. The AEC test can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring such health conditions. 
• Screening For Cancer: High eosinophil levels in the blood may also be a sign of certain cancers. AEC can be used along with certain other tests to rule out potential malignancies. 

How to Prepare for the AEC test?

Preparing for the AEC test can help simplify the process. Listed below are some tips to prepare for an AEC test: 

Talk to the healthcare provider: If you’ve been scheduled for an AEC test, you must talk to the healthcare provider before you get the test done. This may include asking them for specific instructions on preparing for the test, the medicines to start or stop, and other necessary instructions. 

• Make sure you’re hydrated: It is important to be fully hydrated before a blood test. Proper hydration makes it easier to locate the vein for drawing the sample. However, patients must not drink water excessively, as it can cause the blood to become diluted.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes: Patients must wear clothes that are loose fitting. This will allow the phlebotomist to collect samples conveniently. 
• Follow Any Specific Instructions: Depending on your unique health and medical history, your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions for you to follow. These instructions may be related to fasting, timing, or other considerations, and it's crucial to adhere to them closely to ensure the accuracy of the test results.

Values of AEC test Results

As discussed, an AEC test can help provide information about the amount of eosinophils in the blood. It should be noted that it provides information on the quantity of eosinophils in a specific volume of blood. The amount of eosinophil in blood is measured in cells per microliter (cells/μL) of blood. Let’s look at the different range of eosinophils in blood and what they mean: 

• Normal Range: Typically, AEC can range from 30 to 350 per microliter of blood. If the results show this range, it means the eosinophil levels are healthy and within check. 
• Increased AEC: When the level of AEC  in blood exceeds 350 cells/μL, it indicates an elevated level of eosinophils in the blood. This can be indicative of various health conditions, such as allergic reactions, parasitic infections, eosinophilic disorders, cancer, etc. 
• Low AEC: A low AEC count, where the eosinophil count is below 30 cells/μL, also requires medical attention. Low AEC may be associated with infections, especially bacterial infections, bone marrow disorders, immunosuppression, etc. 

Conclusion

An AEC test can be quite helpful in diagnosing several health conditions, and giving patients an idea about the body’s immune response. At CARE Hospitals, we curate state-of-the-art  diagnostic facilities. We offer several diagnostic facilities, including the AEC test. We also provide cost-effective diagnostic facilities to ease the financial burden of the patients. Reach out to our team for top-notch diagnostic service. 

FAQ's        
                
1. Is fasting required for the AEC test?

No. Fasting before an Absolute Eosinophil Count or AEC test is not necessary. It does not require you to abstain from eating or drinking anything, and the patients can get this test even if they’ve eaten. However, if the doctor provides any instructions regarding fasting or what to eat or avoid, the patients must follow it diligently. 

2. What is the absolute eosinophil count in a blood test?

The AEC blood test helps measure the level of eosinophil cells present in a specific volume of blood. The AEC is typically counted as cells per microliter (cells/μL). 
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a pivotal role in the body's immune response. Their main purpose is to protect the body against infections and allergies. 

3. What is the difference between a CBC and AEC test?

A complete blood count test is a more comprehensive blood assessment that offers information regarding various components of the blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet count, etc. A CBC can also provide information about eosinophil levels. An AEC test specifically measures the levels of eosinophil in the blood. 

4. Why Is It Necessary To Have An Eosinophil Count?

An eosinophil count can be considered necessary in various circumstances, such as:

• It helps diagnose and monitor allergic conditions.
• It can help in checking for certain autoimmune diseases.
• It can detect parasitic infections.
• It aids in identifying eosinophilic disorders.
• It may help detect underlying health issues, such as certain cancers.

5. What Can Cause Low and High AEC Tests?

Several factors, such as bacterial infections, bone marrow disorders, and certain medications can cause a reaction in the immune system, leading to a low AEC count.