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Blood BeLPT is a simple test which determines if you are allergic to beryllium and, therefore, beryllium sensitized. This test can establish a beryllium-specific immune response using the blood or lavage BeLPT or beryllium salt patch test plus pathologic changes consistent with CBD. While a history of beryllium exposure is helpful, it is not necessary to know how you got exposed. This is especially important given that seemingly trivial exposures to beryllium can cause significant disease. By using an immunologic criterion, patients who have little apparent history of beryllium exposure can be detected. Also, individuals may now be diagnosed with CBD at its early stages, sometimes prior to the appearance of clinical signs, symptoms, or radiographic (x-ray) or physiologic (lung function) abnormalities. Early detection may improve disease prognosis even though it remains incurable.
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