Basophilia (Guidelines)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Audience

  • Highland HSCP 

The normal reference range is 0 to 0.1 × 109/L. There are very few causes of basophilia and if this is persistent – particularly if above 0.4 × 109/L this is strongly suggestive of a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Causes

  • Chronic myeloid leukaemia
  • Other myeloproliferative neoplasms g. myelofibrosis
  • Atypical chronic myeloid leukaemia
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Recovery from acute illness
  • Allergy
  • Chicken pox
  • Hyposplenism

History and examination

Look for signs of infection including atypical infections. Examine for splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Ask about weight loss, and night sweats. Look at older blood count results.

Suggested investigations

  • Blood film
  • Inflammatory markers
  • TSH

Management

Basophilia is seldom seen in reactive states save for very mild elevations e.g. 0.2 × 109/L. If the basophil count is elevated it should be repeated in three to four weeks to see if persistent and a blood film should be requested. If the basophilia is persistent then please discuss via Clinical Dialogue. If a blood film is reported as concerning for chronic myeloid leukaemia or a myeloproliferative neoplasm please refer directly to haematology.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 29/01/2024

Next review date: 31/01/2027

Author(s): Haematology Department .

Version: 2

Approved By: APPROVED TAM Subgroup of the ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Dr P Forsyth, Consultant Haematologist .

Document Id: TAM615