Basophil Activation Test (BAT)

Immunology

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Description

Basophils are one of the primary effector cells in IgE mediated allergy. When an allergen is presented to IgE receptors on the basophil surface by specific IgE, an intracellular cascade is initiated which activates the basophil. Upon activation histamine is released along with other inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of allergy [2]. Activation of Basophils causes an increase in the expression of CD63 (gp53) on the cell surface. The measurement of the expression of CD63 upon stimulation with specific allergens can be used to determine if the patient may mount an allergic response when exposed to that substance [3]. The basophil activation test is of particular use in drug allergy when it may be deemed too much of a risk to directly challenge the patient with the potential allergen [1].

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Indications

Assessment of immediate-type responses to allergens.

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Sample Type

5mL EDTA whole blood and 5mL EDTA whole blood from a healthy volunteer as a control sample. Samples must be urgently transported to the laboratory.
Requests from outside Sheffield: Please discuss transport requirements prior to requesting this test.

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Reference Range

See report for relevant ranges for the allergens tested and interpretation of results.
Inhalant allergens or food allergens >15% Basophil activation.
Latex >10% Basophil activation.
Hymenoptera venoms >10% Basophil activation.
Betalactam antibiotics >5% Basophil activation and SI > 2.
Metamizol >5% Basophil activation and SI > 2.
Aspirin and other NSAIDS >5% Basophil activation and SI > 2.
Analgesics >5% Basophil activation and SI > 2.
Food additives >5% Basophil activation and SI > 2.

Reference ranges established by Sanz et al [1].

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Discuss with Immunology prior to requesting this test.

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External Notes

Do not separate sample, whole blood is required for analysis. Control sample also required.

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References

Sanz, et al. In-vitro tests; Basophil activation tests. Drug Hypersensitivity. 2007. [Ref 1]
Boumiza, et al. The basophil activation test by flow cytometry: recent developments in clinical studies, standardisation and emerging perspectives. Clin, Molec, Allergy. 2005. 3:9 [Ref 2]
Sainte-Laudy J, et al. Analysis of membrane expression of the CD63 human basophil activation marker: Applications to allergologic diagnosis. Allergy Immunol. 1994. 26:211-214. [Ref 3].

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See Also

Specific IgE

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.