1. An absolute eosinophil count (AEC) is a blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, to help diagnose conditions involving allergic reactions, infections, and other medical issues.
2. The AEC test involves diluting a blood sample with a special solution to stain and count eosinophils under a microscope.
3. An increased eosinophil count may indicate allergies, parasites, or certain types of leukemia, while a decreased count can be associated with hyperadrenalism or Cushing's syndrome.