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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

The Use of Carboxyfluorescein Diacetate Succinimidyl Ester CFSE to Monitor Lymphocyte Proliferation
Published on: October 12, 2010
Clinical and laboratory factors contributing to uninterpretable beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPT)
Derek E Smith1, Ashley P Golden2, Arthur W Stange3
1Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
Background:
The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), has become the principal clinical test for detecting beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. Uninterpretable BeLPT results can occur in a small but significant proportion of tests from poor lymphocyte growth (PG) or over proliferation of lymphocytes (OP). The clinical and laboratory causes of uninterpretable results are not known.
Methods:
BeLPT data from the US Department of Energy-supported Former Worker Screening Program were analyzed for a 10-year period. Drivers of uninterpretable BeLPTs were investigated using multivariable models and classification techniques.
Results:
Three participant attributes were significantly associated with PG, while OP showed no significant associations. Serum lot for the lymphocyte growth medium accounted for 21% of the variation in PG and 16% in OP.
Conclusion:
Serum lots influence the likelihood of having uninterpretable BeLPT. To better understand uninterpretable results and possibly reduce their occurrence, additional laboratory-related factors should be addressed.
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