Exposure to beryllium can lead to chronic
beryllium disease (CBD), a painful scarring of the lung tissue.
If you or a family member has been exposed to beryllium, it
is important to obtain as much information as possible about the
detection
of beryllium—related health problems.
Screening methods for beryllium disease include
chest x—rays, a blood test, and a breathing test
(pulmonary function test). The physician will ask questions about
the patient’s
exposure and use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breathing.
A biopsy can reveal a particular type of scar called a granuloma,
found in diseased lung or skin tissue. By far the most reliable
test for detecting beryllium disease, however, is the
beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test.
Beryllium lymphocyte
proliferation test
The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is a blood test
that examines how disease—fighting cells known as lymphocytes
react to beryllium. If these cells react strongly, then the
BeLPT is called abnormal and indicates “beryllium sensitization,”
an allergic reaction to beryllium (Medfacts,
National Jewish and Medical Research Center).
The BeLPT identifies beryllium sensitization earlier and better
than any other clinical test presently available, according
to various studies
(Significance
of the Blood Lymphocyte Proliferation Test, Environmental Perspectives).
It is used to improve clinical diagnostic accuracy and to correct
mistaken diagnoses. Furthermore, it is very specific and has
high predictive value for CBD.
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