What is the normal range for basophils?

The normal range for basophils in a complete blood count (CBC) is typically reported as 0-1%. Basophils are a type of white blood cell, and they play a role in the body's immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes. A count of 0-1% indicates that basophils are present in very small numbers compared to other white blood cells, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, which are more prominent in the immune response.

Options that provide ranges outside of this standard—such as 1-4% or 2-8%—reflect higher percentages than what is generally accepted in medical literature and clinical practice for normal basophil levels. Additionally, 55-75% is well above the normal range and is actually characteristic of another type of white blood cell, specifically neutrophils, which typically represent a larger proportion in a healthy individual’s blood. Understanding these ranges is crucial for interpreting lab results accurately and recognizing potential health issues.