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Basophils Absolute & Percent Converter
Basophils are the least common type of granulocyte, representing about 0.5% to 1% of circulating white blood cells. They play a significant role in immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and defense against parasites. Basophils contain granules filled with histamine (which dilates blood vessels) and heparin (an anticoagulant).
Clinically, basophil counts are reported in two ways: as a Percentage (%) of the total differential or as an Absolute Count (cells per microliter or $10^9$/L). While a low basophil count (basopenia) is difficult to define and often clinically insignificant, elevated levels (basophilia) can indicate chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), allergic reactions, or hypothyroidism. This calculator converts between the percentage and absolute count, requiring the Total WBC count as a reference.
Reference Value
RequiredEnter Total White Cell Count ($10^9/L$ or $10^3/µL$).
Basophil Counts
Clinical Context
Basophilia (Absolute count > $0.2 \times 10^9/L$) is a key feature of myeloproliferative neoplasms, especially Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). In CML, a rising basophil count is often a sign of disease acceleration or blast crisis.
Other causes of basophilia include severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), ulcerative colitis, and viral infections like chickenpox. Because the percentage is relative to other cells, the Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) is the most accurate metric for diagnosis.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Total WBC
Input the patient’s Total White Blood Cell count first (e.g., 6.0). This is required for the math to work.
Enter Basophils
Enter the Basophil value you have (either the Percentage % or the Absolute count).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator updates instantly. Note: If you change the Total WBC, the other fields recalculate.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Absolute = (WBC × %) / 100. Example: WBC 10.0, Basophils 1% → Absolute 0.1.
Numerically, no.
Absolute 0.1 × 10^9/L = 100 cells/µL.
However, many labs report WBC as e.g., “5.0” implying $10^9/L$ or $10^3/µL$.