Usefulness of basophil activation test for the diagnosis of inhaled allergies

Abstract Allergic diseases are important health problems. Medical history and results of additional tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis. Cytometric basophil activation test (BAT) is widely evaluated technique in inhaled, food, Hymenoptera venom and drugs allergy. The aim of our review is to systematize the available knowledge about possibilities of applying BAT, especially in the diagnosis of inhaled allergies. Basophil activation markers with proven sensitivity and specificity are CD63 and CD203c--each of them has its supporters and opponents among researchers. Use of the first one is more popular because of the direct relation of its appearance on the cell membrane of basophils with degranulation. The usefulness of BAT has been confirmed in the diagnosis of grass pollen, trees and house dust mites allergies in children and adults. BAT has a comparable to the routinely used tests sensitivity and higher (in most studies evaluated as 100%) specificity. The disadvantage of BAT that has been observed by some authors is "hyperreactivity" of basophils in atopic patients, leading to the appearance of false positives results. Basophil activation test seems to have a significant advantage over skin tests due to safety and lack of necessary to withdrawal antihistamines medications. Future research should focus on the use of BAT in diagnostically difficult cases and in monitoring of immunotherapy.