Diagnostic tests based on human basophils: more potentials and perspectives than pitfalls. II. Technical issues

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy Diagnostics

Background:

• Basophil activation tests (BAT) are established allergy diagnostic tools.
• Flow cytometry detection of basophil activation markers (e.g., CD63, CD203c) has gained recent attention.
• Concerns exist regarding the technical challenges and standardization of flow-cytometric BAT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on technical aspects of flow-cytometric BAT.
• To assess the reliability and clinical utility of flow-cytometric BAT in allergy diagnosis.
• To address concerns about the feasibility of performing BAT in routine laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical experience with flow-cytometric BAT.
• Analysis of technical issues influencing reproducibility and accuracy.
• Comparison of flow-cytometric BAT with traditional allergy diagnostic methods.

Main Results:

• Flow-cytometric BAT, detecting markers like CD63 and CD203c, represents a significant advancement in in vitro allergy diagnostics.
• Reproducible and clinically meaningful results can be achieved with appropriate protocols and experience.
• Technical challenges do not preclude reliable performance in experienced allergy and flow cytometry laboratories.

Conclusions:

• Flow-cytometric BAT is a valuable tool for allergy diagnosis.
• There are no significant technical barriers preventing its use in clinical practice.
• Clinically indicated BAT tests should be accessible to allergic patients in experienced laboratories.