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:
- Diarrhea.
- Itching.
- Fever.
- Rash.
- Runny nose (allergy-associated).
- Weight loss.
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.
