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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Update on the performance and application of basophil activation tests
Emily C McGowan1, Sarbjit Saini
1Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. emcgowa4@jhmi.edu
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|November 29, 2012
Summary
The basophil activation test (BAT) aids in diagnosing allergies by measuring cell activation. Recent advancements enhance its accuracy for drug, food, venom, and pollen allergies, and monitoring immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Diagnostics
- Flow Cytometry
Background:
- The basophil activation test (BAT) is a functional assay using flow cytometry to measure cell activation.
- No standardized BAT technique exists, but recent advances improve its performance.
- New basophil-specific markers and CD63/CD203c expression comparisons enhance the assay.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review recent applications of the basophil activation test (BAT).
- Focus on diagnosing allergies to drugs, foods, venoms, and pollens.
- Discuss the evolving role of BAT in monitoring immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry-based functional assay.
- Assessment of basophil activation after stimuli exposure.
- Utilizes basophil-specific markers like CD63 and CD203c.
Main Results:
- BAT has been validated for various IgE-mediated diseases.
- Recent applications focus on diagnosing specific allergies.
- BAT shows promise in monitoring immunotherapy effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The basophil activation test is a valuable tool for allergy diagnosis.
- Ongoing research and advancements are refining BAT performance.
- BAT plays an evolving role in personalized allergy management and treatment monitoring.
