Flow cytometric basophils activation test as a method of allergy diagnosis

Olga Potapińska; Urszula Demkow; Maria Wąsik

Vol 77, No 2 (2009)

REVIEWS

Published online: 2009-03-16

Submitted: 2013-02-22

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Flow cytometric basophils activation test as a method of allergy diagnosis

Olga Potapińska, Urszula Demkow, Maria Wąsik

Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2009;77(2):152-158.

Vol 77, No 2 (2009)

REVIEWS

Published online: 2009-03-16

Submitted: 2013-02-22

Abstract

For several years the incidences of allergic diseases and anaphylactic reactions have been increasing dramatically. Classical method of allergy diagnosis - skin prick test in some situations can provoke life-threatening reactions. Detection of allergen-induced basophil activation by flow cytometry has been shown to be a useful tool for allergy diagnosis in those patients. CD 63 and CD203c have recently been demonstrated as a specific activation markers of basophils that are rapidly up-regulated after allergen challenge in sensitized patients. Although flow-cytometry methods are quite sophisticated and expensive, it could be a good alternative in patients at risk of severe anaphylactic reactions or with contradictory test results.