What is the Be-LPT Blood Test?
In the Be-LPT’s, disease-fighting blood cells that are normally found in the body, called lymphocytes, are examined in the laboratory and separated from your blood. Beryllium and other test agents are then added to small groups of these lymphocytes. If these lymphocytes react to the beryllium in a specific way, the test results are “positive.” If they do not react to beryllium, the test is “negative.” Experts believe that the Be-LPT shows positive results in individuals who have become sensitive or allergic to beryllium. It is unclear what this sensitivity means. Studies have shown it to be an early sign of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) in many individuals. In others, sensitivity might simply mean that the person was exposed to beryllium and that his or her body has reacted. It might mean that an individual is more likely than others to get CBD. You are being offered the Be-LPT because doctors believe it is useful in detecting cases of CBD early or cases that might otherwise be misse
The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is a blood test that measures beryllium sensitization, which is an “allergic” reaction to beryllium.If your immune system is sensitized to beryllium, these cells will multiply, producing an abnormal BeLPT result.
