What is the Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test (BeLPT)?
In the BeLPT, disease-fighting blood cells that are normally found in the body, called lymphocytes, are examined in the laboratory and separated from your other blood cells. 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 “abnormal.” If they do not react to beryllium, the test is “normal.” Experts believe that the BeLPT shows abnormal results in individuals who have become “sensitized” or “allergic” to beryllium. At present, it is unclear what this sensitization means. Studies have shown it to be an early sign of chronic beryllium disease (CBD), also known as berylliosis, in many individuals. In others, sensitization 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 BeLPT because doctors believe it is useful in detecting cas
