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Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Basophil-activation tests in Hymenoptera allergy
Anthony E J Dubois1, Sicco van der Heide
1Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. a.e.j.dubois@bkk.umcg.nl
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 11, 2007
Summary
Basophil activation tests can detect IgE-mediated sensitization in Hymenoptera allergy. However, their clinical relevance for predicting reactions or guiding treatment is limited, with no established role in diagnosis or management.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Insect Sting Allergy
- Basophil Biology
Background:
- Basophil activation tests (BAT) are emerging tools in allergy diagnostics.
- Despite advances, BAT is underutilized in Hymenoptera (insect sting) allergy.
- Understanding basophil activation markers is crucial for allergy diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on basophil activation tests in Hymenoptera allergy.
- To assess the clinical utility of BAT in insect sting allergy.
- To evaluate the role of BAT in diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on basophil activation tests.
- Analysis of studies comparing BAT with serum IgE and skin-prick tests.
- Evaluation of BAT's predictive value for immunotherapy and sting challenges.
Main Results:
- BAT results correlate well with serum IgE and skin-prick tests.
- Specificity in non-reactive sensitized individuals remains unclear.
- BAT's ability to predict immunotherapy side effects or monitor treatment is unconfirmed.
- BAT offers no additional value in assessing sting challenges.
Conclusions:
- Basophil activation markers can identify IgE-mediated sensitization.
- The predictive value of BAT for clinical reactivity in Hymenoptera allergy is limited.
- Currently, BAT has no established role in diagnosing or managing insect sting allergy.
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