Basophil activation testing in occupational respiratory allergy to low molecular weight compounds. Issue 2 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vera-Berrios, Rosialzira Natasha; Feary, Johanna; Cullinan, Paul
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. Volume 19:Issue 2(2019:Apr.)
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: basophil -- basophil activation test -- diagnosis -- occupational asthma; Allergy -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Hypersensitivity; Immunity; Immune System Diseases; Allergy and Immunology; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1528-4050

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: There is an unmet need for better immunological tests in cases of suspected occupational asthma to many workplace chemicals; here we consider the basophil activation test (BAT), a potential alternative to the detection of specific IgE antibodies. Recent findings: BAT is fairly widely used in general allergy services; and there is increasing experience of its use in the diagnosis of occupational allergy to low molecular weight agents and chemicals including wood dusts, persulphates, antibiotics and latex. Summary: There is potential for BAT to become a useful tool in the clinical consideration of occupational asthma and of its mechanisms, and even to take a place in a Bayesian-based diagnostic algorithm. Further development will only occur if specialist centres with appropriate facilities, and preferably in collaboration, contemplate its use.