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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
[Basophil activation tests in the diagnosis of drug reactions]
S M Erdmann1, S Ventocilla, S Moll-Slodowy
1Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen. serdmann@ukaachen.de
Abstract:
Over the past 10 years a number of studies on basophil activation tests (BAT) have been published which focus on their use as diagnostic methods in clarifying IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to various allergens including drugs. These BAT are based on flow cytometric quantification of allergen- induced CD63 or CD203 expression or measurement of sulfo leukotriene release by ELISA. In the diagnosis of penicillin allergy, the combined use of the CD63-BAT and specific IgE increases sensitivity. The role of BAT in the diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated reactions to non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs remains to be clarified. This article focuses on (1) the principles of BAT, (2) technical aspects, (3) clinical applications and (4) recommendations for further development.
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