The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test in renal transplantation

The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test has been evaluated as a means of differentiating episodes of infection and rejection in 10 cadaver kidney transplant recipients. Normal NBT values were observed during all 11 episodes of acute rejection. A significant elevation of the NBT score was encountered in six of eight episodes of infection after transplantation. A positive NBT result is useful additional evidence in favour of infection in patients in whom the differentiation of infection and rejection is proving difficult.