BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuBlood differential testDifferential; Diff; White blood cell differential countThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells. How the Test is Performed A blood sample is needed.Blood sampleVenipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A laboratory specialist takes a drop of blood from your sample and smears it onto a glass slide. The smear is stained with a special dye, which helps tell the difference between various types of white blood cells.Five types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes, normally appear in the blood:Neutrophils Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) Monocytes Eosinophils BasophilsA special machine counts the number of each type of cell. The test shows if the number of cells are in proper proportion with one another, and if there is more or less of one cell type. How to Prepare for the Test No special preparation is necessary. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. Why the Test is Performed This test is done to diagnose an infection, anemia, or leukemia. It may also be used to monitor one of these conditions or to see if treatment is working.AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The different types of white blood cells are given as a percentage of all white cells: Neutrophils: 40% to 60% Lymphocytes: 20% to 40% Monocytes: 2% to 8% Eosinophils: 1% to 4% Basophils: 0.5% to 1% Band (young neutrophil): 0% to 3% What Abnormal Results Mean Any infection or acute stress increases your number of white blood cells. High white blood cell counts may be due to inflammation, an immune response, or blood diseases such as leukemia. Abnormal or immature white blood cells may indicate leukemia or bone marrow invasion by cancer or infection.AcuteAcute means sudden. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immune response,The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article It is important to realize that an abnormal increase in one type of white blood cell can cause a decrease in the percentage of other types of white blood cells.An increased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:Acute infection Inflammation Acute stress Eclampsia (seizures or coma in a pregnant woman) EclampsiaEclampsia is the new onset of seizures or coma in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia. These seizures are not related to an existing brain condition....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gout (type of arthritis due to uric acid buildup in the blood) GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute or chronic forms of leukemia Myeloproliferative diseases Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatic fever (disease due to an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria) Rheumatic feverRheumatic fever is a disease that may develop after an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It can...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroiditis (a thyroid disease) ThyroiditisChronic thyroiditis is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. It often results in reduced thyroid function (hypothyroi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trauma Cigarette smoking A decreased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Influenza (flu) InfluenzaThe flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily from person to pe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy or exposure Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection Widespread severe bacterial infection (sepsis)An increased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:Chronic bacterial infection ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious hepatitis (liver swelling and inflammation from bacteria or viruses) HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious mononucleosis, or mono (viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands) Infectious mononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymphocytic leukemia (a type of blood cancer) Lymphocytic leukemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. ALL occurs when the bone marrow produ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bone...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection (such as mumps or measles) MumpsMumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A decreased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HIV/AIDS infection HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leukemia Radiation therapy or exposure Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sepsis (severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs) SepsisSepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Steroid use An increased percentage of monocytes may be due to:Chronic inflammatory disease Leukemia Parasitic infection Tuberculosis, or TB (bacterial infection that involves the lungs) TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection (for example, infectious mononucleosis, mumps, or measles) MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MumpsMumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An increased percentage of eosinophils may be due to:Addison disease (adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones) Addison diseaseAddison disease is a disorder that causes the adrenal glands to not produce enough hormones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Allergic reaction Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic myelogenous leukemia Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collagen vascular disease Collagen vascular diseaseIn a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypereosinophilic syndromes Parasitic infection An increased percentage of basophils may be due to:After splenectomy SplenectomyPost-splenectomy complications can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. Complications may include: Blood clotsDestruction of red blood cellsInc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Allergic reaction Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of bone marrow cancer) Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collagen vascular disease Collagen vascular diseaseIn a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myeloproliferative diseases (group of bone marrow diseases) ChickenpoxChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A decreased percentage of basophils may be due to:Acute infection Cancer Severe injury Risks There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Multiple punctures to locate veins Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) HematomaA bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)Open ReferencesReferencesBain BJ. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 148.Nasr MR, Hutchison RE. Leukocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 34.AllVideoImagesTogBasophil (close-up) - illustration Basophils are a specific type of white blood cell. These cells are readily stained with basic dyes (this is where the name comes from). Note the dark grains inside the cellular fluid (cytoplasm) of this basophil. Basophils make up only a small portion of the number of white blood cells but are important parts of the body's immune response. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.Basophil (close-up)illustrationFormed elements of blood - illustration Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and returns waste and carbon dioxide. Blood distributes nearly everything that is carried from one area in the body to another place within the body. For example, blood transports hormones from endocrine organs to their target organs and tissues. Blood helps maintain body temperature and normal pH levels in body tissues. The protective functions of blood include clot formation and the prevention of infection.Formed elements of bloodillustrationWhite blood cell count - seriesPresentation Basophil (close-up) - illustration Basophils are a specific type of white blood cell. These cells are readily stained with basic dyes (this is where the name comes from). Note the dark grains inside the cellular fluid (cytoplasm) of this basophil. Basophils make up only a small portion of the number of white blood cells but are important parts of the body's immune response. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.Basophil (close-up)illustrationFormed elements of blood - illustration Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and returns waste and carbon dioxide. Blood distributes nearly everything that is carried from one area in the body to another place within the body. For example, blood transports hormones from endocrine organs to their target organs and tissues. Blood helps maintain body temperature and normal pH levels in body tissues. The protective functions of blood include clot formation and the prevention of infection.Formed elements of bloodillustration White blood cell count - seriesPresentation Tests for Blood differential test Blood differential testWBC countBlood smearRelated Information CBC blood test(Medical Test)Eosinophil count - absolute(Medical Test)Anemia(Condition)Antibody(Special Topic)Protein in diet(Nutrition)Vasoconstriction(Special Topic)Acute(Special Topic)WBC count(Medical Test)Immune response(Special Topic)Eclampsia(Condition)Anemia - InDepth(In-Depth)Gout - InDepth(In-Depth)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/2/2023 Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Blood differential testDifferential; Diff; White blood cell differential countThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells. How the Test is Performed A blood sample is needed.Blood sampleVenipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A laboratory specialist takes a drop of blood from your sample and smears it onto a glass slide. The smear is stained with a special dye, which helps tell the difference between various types of white blood cells.Five types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes, normally appear in the blood:Neutrophils Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) Monocytes Eosinophils BasophilsA special machine counts the number of each type of cell. The test shows if the number of cells are in proper proportion with one another, and if there is more or less of one cell type. How to Prepare for the Test No special preparation is necessary. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. Why the Test is Performed This test is done to diagnose an infection, anemia, or leukemia. It may also be used to monitor one of these conditions or to see if treatment is working.AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The different types of white blood cells are given as a percentage of all white cells: Neutrophils: 40% to 60% Lymphocytes: 20% to 40% Monocytes: 2% to 8% Eosinophils: 1% to 4% Basophils: 0.5% to 1% Band (young neutrophil): 0% to 3% What Abnormal Results Mean Any infection or acute stress increases your number of white blood cells. High white blood cell counts may be due to inflammation, an immune response, or blood diseases such as leukemia. Abnormal or immature white blood cells may indicate leukemia or bone marrow invasion by cancer or infection.AcuteAcute means sudden. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immune response,The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article It is important to realize that an abnormal increase in one type of white blood cell can cause a decrease in the percentage of other types of white blood cells.An increased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:Acute infection Inflammation Acute stress Eclampsia (seizures or coma in a pregnant woman) EclampsiaEclampsia is the new onset of seizures or coma in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia. These seizures are not related to an existing brain condition....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gout (type of arthritis due to uric acid buildup in the blood) GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute or chronic forms of leukemia Myeloproliferative diseases Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatic fever (disease due to an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria) Rheumatic feverRheumatic fever is a disease that may develop after an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It can...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroiditis (a thyroid disease) ThyroiditisChronic thyroiditis is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. It often results in reduced thyroid function (hypothyroi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trauma Cigarette smoking A decreased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Influenza (flu) InfluenzaThe flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily from person to pe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy or exposure Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection Widespread severe bacterial infection (sepsis)An increased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:Chronic bacterial infection ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious hepatitis (liver swelling and inflammation from bacteria or viruses) HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious mononucleosis, or mono (viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands) Infectious mononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymphocytic leukemia (a type of blood cancer) Lymphocytic leukemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. ALL occurs when the bone marrow produ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bone...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection (such as mumps or measles) MumpsMumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A decreased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HIV/AIDS infection HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leukemia Radiation therapy or exposure Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sepsis (severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs) SepsisSepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Steroid use An increased percentage of monocytes may be due to:Chronic inflammatory disease Leukemia Parasitic infection Tuberculosis, or TB (bacterial infection that involves the lungs) TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Viral infection (for example, infectious mononucleosis, mumps, or measles) MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MumpsMumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An increased percentage of eosinophils may be due to:Addison disease (adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones) Addison diseaseAddison disease is a disorder that causes the adrenal glands to not produce enough hormones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Allergic reaction Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic myelogenous leukemia Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collagen vascular disease Collagen vascular diseaseIn a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypereosinophilic syndromes Parasitic infection An increased percentage of basophils may be due to:After splenectomy SplenectomyPost-splenectomy complications can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. Complications may include: Blood clotsDestruction of red blood cellsInc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Allergic reaction Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of bone marrow cancer) Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collagen vascular disease Collagen vascular diseaseIn a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myeloproliferative diseases (group of bone marrow diseases) ChickenpoxChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A decreased percentage of basophils may be due to:Acute infection Cancer Severe injury Risks There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Multiple punctures to locate veins Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) HematomaA bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)Open ReferencesReferencesBain BJ. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 148.Nasr MR, Hutchison RE. Leukocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 34.