Basophil activation test in the study of food and drug hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract

The increase in the prevalence of adverse reactions to foods and drugs represents a constant challenge to the development of new methods of diagnosis. A meta-analysis on published studies concerning the clinical usefulness of the Basophil activation test (BAT) in these reactions was performed. High sensibilities and specificities can be achieved if certain technical requirements are observed. BAT results have a positive and high significant correlations with other routine diagnostic methods such as skin tests, serum specific IgE and oral controlled challenge. Efficacy of diagnosis can be improved with the combined use of BAT and other techniques. In order to achieve a well-conducted evaluation on the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to foods and drugs the best options should b