A Case of Anaphylaxis in Which a Basophil Activation Test Was Used to Identify the Suspected Agent
This is a case report of anaphylaxis in which the basophil activation test (BAT) was used to identify the etiological agent. Although skin tests are considered the most effective methods for identifying anaphylactic triggers, the test itself presents a risk of inducing anaphylaxis. The BAT is advantageous because of its inherent lack of risk, high sensitivity and specificity to identify the suspected anaphylactic agents, and diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional skin testing. Therefore, in the future, the BAT is likely to become the preferred test for the detection of allergens over conventional skin tests.
Basophil activation test (BAT) results. Activated basophil counts for the negative control (2.8%), positive control (35.2%), flomoxef (2.2%), rocuronium (3.2%), and rubber dam sheet (54.7%) challenges. Stimulation of naïve basophils with the rubber dam sheet elicited a strong positive result (1-hour contact; sample concentration, 1/1250). Evaluation criteria for activated basophils were as follows: <6% negative, 6–10% false-positive, 10–15% weakly positive, 15–20% positive, and >20% strongly positive.
Contributor Notes