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AEC Test: Procedure, Results, and Normal Range

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AEC test is a blood test that is done to determine the number of eosinophils in the blood. Read this article to learn more about the AEC test.

Written byDr. Niharika Singh

Medically reviewed byDr. Mona Kamal Farid Zaki

Published At July 14, 2023
Reviewed AtJuly 17, 2023

What Is AEC Test?

AEC stands for absolute eosinophil count. The blood test that tells the number of eosinophils in the body is called the AEC test, or absolute eosinophil count test. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that fights against infection in the body. Eosinophils are an essential component of the defense system. They assist in warding off pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and undesirable substances. When eosinophil levels are elevated, the condition is called eosinophilia. When a person has an allergy, specific infections, or particular kinds of leukemia, they may increase.

Why Is the AEC Test Performed?

Eosinophils cause an increase in inflammation to aid the body in fending off actual attacks, such as infections and disease, as well as perceived threats like allergens. Chronic inflammation brought on by an excess of eosinophils can result in tissue damage and chronic illness.

A healthcare professional may request an AEC blood test if someone is experiencing symptoms that suggest they may have elevated eosinophil levels, such as:

In addition, a healthcare professional may request this test if they believe a patient has a specific illness or condition that can be diagnosed by the AEC test. There are several conditions for which eosinophil levels may be elevated (for example, asthma, parasitic infections, certain cancers) or low (for example, alcohol use disorder, Cushing's syndrome).

It is crucial to understand that, although the AEC blood test alone cannot be used to confirm such illnesses, it does provide information that may assist the healthcare provider in making a diagnosis based on the results.

How to Prepare for the AEC Test?

The most common question among individuals is whether they need to prepare before the test. Most of the time, individuals do not need to take any extra precautions before taking this test. However, they should inform their physician about any medications they are taking, including those bought without a prescription (self-medication). Some drugs have the potential to alter test findings. The following medications may induce an increase in eosinophils:

  • Amphetamines (appetite suppressants).
  • Psyllium-containing laxatives.
  • Some antibiotics.
  • Interferon.
  • Tranquilizers.

What Happens During an AEC Test?

It is a regular blood test. During the test, the medical professional draws blood from the arm. A swab of rubbing alcohol is used to clean the area where the blood will be taken. A tiny needle with a tube connected to it for blood collection is then inserted after that. The needle is taken out after an adequate amount of blood has been drawn for analysis. A gauze pad is then placed over the area.

In the lab, the blood is positioned on a microscope slide. The specimen is stained. This causes eosinophils to appear as orange-red granules. The technician then measures the number of eosinophils per 100 cells. The absolute eosinophil count is calculated by multiplying the eosinophil proportion by the white blood cell count.

Is the AEC Test Painful?

As it is a regular blood test, a minor sensation of pain will occur while inserting the needle and withdrawing the blood. However, it will feel like a prick and last for only a few seconds. Hence, in most cases, not much discomfort occurs during this test. After the blood is taken, one may experience some throbbing at the site.

What Is the Purpose of the AEC Test?

This test will be performed to determine if an individual's blood differential test results were abnormal. This test may also be performed if the provider suspects the individual of having a particular disease. The diseases that can be diagnosed with the help of this test are:

  • Acute hypereosinophilic syndrome (a rare, but sometimes leukemia-like condition that can be fatal).
  • An allergic reaction (can also indicate the severity of the reaction).
  • Early stages of Addison disease.
  • An infection caused by a parasite.
  • Vasculitis.

What Do the Results of the AEC Test Indicate?

Most times, the reports of AEC blood tests come on the same day. The normal and the abnormal results are discussed below:

Normal Results of the AEC Test: Eosinophil counts in the normal range are less than 500 cells per microliter (cells/mcL). Normal value ranges may change slightly between laboratories. A person's specific test findings will be best guided by their healthcare provider.

Abnormal Results of the AEC Test: When the eosinophil count comes in lower or higher than the normal range, it is considered abnormal.

High Count:

A high eosinophil count (eosinophilia) is frequently associated with several diseases. A high eosinophil level may result from:

  • Adrenal gland deficiency
  • Allergic disease, including hay fever
  • Asthma.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Eczema.
  • Fungal infections.
  • Hypereosinophilic syndrome.
  • Leukemia and other blood disorders.
  • Lymphoma.
  • Parasite infection, such as worms.

In addition, based on the severity, the high eosinophil count can be classified into three types:

  • Mild: 500 to 1,500 eosinophil cells per microliter of blood is considered mild.
  • Moderate: 1,500 to 5,000 eosinophil cells per microliter of blood is considered moderate.
  • Severe: 5,000 or more eosinophil cells per microliter of blood is considered severe.

Low Count:

On the other hand, a lower-than-normal eosinophil level could be the result of:

  • Alcohol overdose.
  • Excessive steroid synthesis in the body (such as cortisol).

Is There Any Risk Associated With the AEC Test?

There are no major side effects or risks associated with an AEC test, as it is not a major invasive procedure like an angiography. However, in rare cases, the needle prick may sometimes lead to a hematoma, bruising, and bleeding, and infection at the puncture site may occur in a few instances. After the blood is withdrawn, the vein may swell in rare instances.

Conclusion:

To sum up, eosinophils aid in the body's ability to battle off infection and to determine the concentration of eosinophils in the blood, an AEC test is performed. This could be done to find out what is causing certain symptoms, like diarrhea, temperature, or rash. Alternatively, it might be done to assist in the diagnosis of a potential illness, such as asthma, an infection, or some cancers. In general, high levels occur more often than low levels. In most cases, eosinophil levels are returned to normal after treatment for the underlying source of eosinophilia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute count may be calculated by multiplying your white blood cell count by the percentage of eosinophils. While the count may vary slightly between laboratories, a typical range is often between 30 and 350. A count of over 500 cells per microliter of blood is regarded as eosinophilia.

The eosinophil count in blood is measured as cells per microliter (cells/μL) of blood. The AEC typically varies between 30 and 350 per microliter of blood. If the findings fall within this range, the eosinophil levels are healthy and within the normal range.

The underlying reason for an increased absolute eosinophil count determines the course of therapy. Determining and treating the underlying cause, including allergies, infections, or certain medical disorders, is critical. Medication such as corticosteroids or antihistamines may be administered to treat increased eosinophil counts in specific situations. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is essential in determining the best course of action and personalized treatment choices for particular circumstances.

A higher concentration of eosinophils in the blood is indicated when the amount of AEC in the blood surpasses 350 cells/μL. This may be a sign of many illnesses, including cancer, eosinophilic disorders, allergic diseases, including hay fever and asthma, and adrenal gland insufficiency.

A high absolute eosinophil count might indicate several underlying illnesses or health problems. Increased amounts of eosinophils have been linked to autoimmune disorders, allergic responses, parasite infections, and several inflammatory conditions.

The eosinophil count in blood is expressed as cells per microliter (cells/μL). A higher concentration of eosinophils in the blood is indicated when the amount of AEC in the blood surpasses 350 cells/μL. Adult eosinophilia is regarded as more than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood. It is considered hypereosinophilia if the count is higher than 1,500 for several months.

For women, the absolute eosinophil count normally falls between 30 to 350 eosinophils per microliter of blood. Within laboratories and communities, normal absolute eosinophil levels might vary slightly. It is significant to remember that age, sex, and general health are the only variables affecting reference ranges.

Inflammation in specific body areas caused by eosinophils leads to eosinophilic disorders or hypereosinophilia syndrome (HES). These disorders are named based on the affected body parts. Examples include eosinophilic cystitis affecting the bladder, eosinophilic fasciitis impacting the connective tissue throughout the body (fascia), eosinophilic pneumonia affecting the lungs, and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) comprising conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (esophagus), along with disorders affecting the colon, stomach, and small intestine. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, involves the lungs, heart, sinuses, and other organs.

The normal range for the eosinophil percentage, often called the eosinophil count, in blood is usually 0.5 percent to 5 percent of the total white blood cell count. It is crucial to evaluate these results concerning the patient's overall health, medical history, and particular laboratory reference ranges.

White blood cells called eosinophils play a role in immunity and are frequently linked to parasite infections and allergic responses. While some people may experience allergic responses to specific meals, which increase eosinophil counts, food does not usually cause elevated eosinophil counts.

Treatment options for eosinophilia resulting from allergic reactions may involve avoiding allergens, using antihistamines, and, in more severe cases, taking corticosteroids. In situations of parasitic illnesses, healthcare practitioners often administer anti-parasitic drugs. When eosinophilia is associated with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, the underlying illness must be treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

Determine and avoid any allergens or factors that could be triggering the immunological response to lower eosinophil counts. Adhere to specified treatment regimens for underlying diseases, such as autoimmune disorders or infections, or take antihistamines as indicated. See a medical expert regularly to monitor the outcome and make any changes to the course of treatment. Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet to promote general well-being and indirectly assist in controlling eosinophil levels.

White blood cells, known as eosinophils, are involved in immune system function, especially in reaction to allergic responses and parasitic infections. A direct correlation between milk consumption and elevated eosinophil levels has not been demonstrated. Yet, some people may have allergic responses to dairy products or milk, which may cause an immunological response, including an increase in eosinophils.

Sustain a healthy, well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats to boost immunity and promote general well-being. Proper hydration by drinking lots of water will help the body flush out toxins. Effectively manage allergies with strategies, including avoiding allergens, using air purifiers, or using antihistamines under supervision. Before taking any herbal supplements, especially those with potential anti-inflammatory qualities like Boswellia serrata, speak with a healthcare provider to ensure they will not worsen preexisting illnesses or interfere with medicine.

Frequent exercise may impact eosinophil levels by regulating immunological responses. Exercise can help maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, even though there is not enough data to support it as a cure-all. Seek individual medical advice from a doctor regarding exercise and eosinophilia.

In severe eosinophilic asthma, eosinophil-targeted treatment (anti-IL5: Mepolizumab (100mg SC) and Reslizumab (weight based); anti-IL5R: Bevacizumab) and EGPA (Mepolizumab 300mg SC) has been demonstrated to decrease illness flare-ups and received FDA clearance. In patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome that is life-threatening and not responding to therapy, high-dose Mepolizumab (300 mg to 700 mg) is advised.

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Dr. Mona Kamal Farid Zaki from iCliniq
Dr. Mona Kamal Farid Zaki

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