アレルギー検査としてのsurface basophilic cellの有用性

Nasal surface basophilic cells were investigated as a parameter of nasal allergy, in addition to the conventional tests. Nasal scrapings were obtained by a small currette from the surface of the inferior concha of 136 patients with nasal allergy, smeared on glass slides, fixed with 99% methylalcohol and stained with Hansel's solution for 40-50 seconds.The basophilic cells were counted. If more than 10 cells were seen, the test was considered positive. The surface basophilic cell test was positive in 94% of perennial allergy patients with a positive reaction to antigen challenge, in 67% of perennial patients with a negative challenge reaction and in 74% of seasonal patients with a positive challenge reaction.These figures show that this test is not superior to eosinophils in nasal smears, but is superior to serum IgE levels and peripheral eosinophilic leucocyte counts. When both surface basophilic cells and eosinophilic nasal smears are examined, a higher positive rate should be obtained in nasal allergy tests.