The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test in renal transplantation

Abstract

The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test has been evaluated as a means of differentiating episodes of infection and rejection in 10 cadaver kidney transplant recipients. Normal NBT values were ovserved during all 11 episodes of acute rejection. A significant elevation of the NBT score was encountered in 6 of 8 episodes of infection after transplantation. A positive NBT result is useful additional evidence in favour of infection in patients in whom the differentiation of infection and rejection is proving difficult.