Flow Cytometric Basophils Activation Test as a Method of Allergy Diagnosis

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.