In this episode, we dive deep into the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) — one of the most advanced tools in modern allergy diagnostics. Join us as we break down how BAT works, when to use it, and what the evidence really says about its accuracy in diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergy, drug allergy, and complex sensitisation patterns.

You’ll learn:

• How BAT compares with skin prick testing and specific IgE

• The clinical value of basophil activation markers such as CD63 and CD203c

• When BAT improves diagnostic confidence and reduces the need for oral food challenges

• Limitations, pitfalls, and real-world barriers to using BAT in paediatric and adult allergy practice

• Future trends and innovations in functional allergy testing

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or allergy enthusiast, this episode offers a clear, evidence-based look at a test that’s increasingly shaping the future of precision allergy diagnosis.

Sources:

1. Dreborg, S. (2017) Methodological cutoff of basophil activation test and basophil activation test diagnostic value. [Journal of publication not explicitly contained within the source]. (Correspondence) [382, 388].
2. Duan L., et al. (2021) Basophil activation test shows high accuracy in the diagnosis of peanut and tree nut allergy: The Markers of Nut Allergy Study. Allergy, 76, 1800–1812. doi:10.1111/all.14695. [47, 123].
3. Kim, S.Y., Kim, J.H., Jang, Y.S., Choi, J.H., Park, S., Hwang, Y.I., Jang, S.H. and Jung, K.S. (2016) The Basophil Activation Test Is Safe and Useful for Confirming Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 8(6), 541–544. doi:10.4168/aair.2016.8.6.541. [399, 402].
4. Mayorga C., Çelik G.E., Pascal M., Hoffmann H.J., Eberlein B., Torres M.J., Brockow K., Garvey L.H., Barbaud A., Madrigal-Burgaleta R., Caubet J.C. and Ebo D.G. (2024) Flow- based basophil activation test in immediate drug hypersensitivity. An EAACI task force position paper. Allergy, 79, 580–600. doi:10.1111/all.15957. [226, 380].
5. Mayorga C., Ariza A., Barrionuevo E. and Salas M. (2017) Reply [to Dreborg]. [Journal of publication not explicitly contained within the source]. (Correspondence) [391].
6. Santos A.F., Alpan O. and Hoffmann H.J. (2021) Basophil activation test: Mechanisms and considerations for use in clinical trials and clinical practice. Allergy, 76, 2420–2432. doi:10.1111/all.14747. [127, 224].
7. Sturm G.J., Kranzelbinder B., Sturm E.M., Heinemann A., Groselj-Strele A. and Aberer W. (2009) The basophil activation test in the diagnosis of allergy: technical issues and critical factors. Allergy, 64, 1319–1326. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02004.x. [5, 6].

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website.

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