Medical expert of the article
New publications
Basophils
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Basophils are blood cells that contain coarse purple-blue granules in their cytoplasm. The main component of the basophil granules is histamine.
Life expectancy of basophils is 8-12 days; the period of circulation in the peripheral blood, as in all granulocytes, is short - several hours.
The main function of basophils is to participate in immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. They also participate in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, in inflammatory and allergic reactions, in regulation of vascular wall permeability.
Reference values (norms) of the absolute and relative content of basophils in the blood
Age |
Absolute amount, × 10 9 / l |
Relative quantity,% |
12 months 4-6 years old 10 years 21 year Adults |
0-0.2 0-0.2 0-0.2 0-0.2 0-0.2 |
0.4 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 |
What's bothering you?
What tests are needed?