Recommendations for the use of the basophil activation test in the diagnosis of allergic diseases

The basophil activation test (BAT) is a laboratory test that aims to simulate in vitro an allergen-triggering test in vivo, through the flow cytometry evaluation of basophil activation markers. The Study Group on Allergology of the Italian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SIPMeL) developed recommendations on the use of this method in the diagnosis of allergic diseases. The purpose is to provide directions on the most appropriate use of the test, in order to broaden the spectrum of non-invasive diagnostics in this area of medicine. However, as the BAT requires experience and professional competence, it should be considered as a third-level diagnostic aid. For this reason, its indiscriminate and widespread use in all Laboratories is not advisable, but should be limited to those centers that own the indispensable expertise on allergy and basic immunology laboratory tests. The greater economical commitment compared to traditional tests is compensated by the possibility of avoiding a remarkable number of allergy challenge tests in vivo, which are definitely more expensive and encumbered by a certain degree of risk for the patient. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Italia.