|
|||||
|
|
Clinical and laboratory factors contributing to uninterpretable beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPT) |
|
| Authors: | Derek E. Smith MS Ashley P. Golden PhD Arthur W. Stange PhD Elizabeth Barker MPH Margaret Mroz MSPH Anna E. Barón PhD Debashis Ghosh PhD Lisa Maier MD Donna Cragle PhD Lee S. Newman MD MA |
| Affiliation: | 1. Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado;2. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee;3. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Arvada, Colorado;4. National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado;5. Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado;6. Center for Health, Work, and Environment, and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado |
| Abstract: | BackgroundThe beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), has become the principal clinical test for detecting beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. Uninterpretable BeLPT results can occur in a small but significant proportion of tests from poor lymphocyte growth (PG) or over proliferation of lymphocytes (OP). The clinical and laboratory causes of uninterpretable results are not known.MethodsBeLPT data from the US Department of Energy‐supported Former Worker Screening Program were analyzed for a 10‐year period. Drivers of uninterpretable BeLPTs were investigated using multivariable models and classification techniques.ResultsThree participant attributes were significantly associated with PG, while OP showed no significant associations. Serum lot for the lymphocyte growth medium accounted for 21% of the variation in PG and 16% in OP.ConclusionSerum lots influence the likelihood of having uninterpretable BeLPT. To better understand uninterpretable results and possibly reduce their occurrence, additional laboratory‐related factors should be addressed. |
| Keywords: | BeLPT BeS CBD chronic beryllium disease lymphocyte proliferation |