[Phagotest and Bursttest (Phagoburst), test kits for study of phagocyte functions]

Phagotest and Bursttest are complete test kits for the investigation of the phagocytic function of granulocytes and monocytes in whole blood using flow cytometry. Phagotest allows the quantitative determination of leukocyte phagocytosis (uptake of bacteria). It determines the percentage of phagocytes which ingest fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) labelled opsonized E. coli bacteria and their activity (number of bacteria per cell). Reduced phagocytosis is observed in patients with sepsis, renal failure, and recurrent bacterial infections. Bursttest allows the quantitative determination of leukocyte oxidative burst. It determines the percentage of leukocytes which oxidize the fluorogenic substrate dihydrorhodamine (DHR) 123 and their enzymatic activity (amount of rhodamine 123). Reduced burst activity is observed in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).