What is the BAT Test?

The BAT test (Basophil Activation Test) is an advanced diagnostic test that evaluates immediate type allergic reactions by analyzing the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. It uses flow cytometry to measure activation markers after basophils are exposed to allergens.

Unlike traditional IgE-based tests, which measure allergen specific IgE (sIgE) levels, BAT test can improve diagnostic efficiency by assessing whether sIgE is actually inducing cell activation after allergen exposure. It is ideal for hard cases, where IgE-based tests are inconclusive.

The BAT test is offered by highly specialized centers, due to the need for rapid sample processing, specialized flow cytometry equipment and experienced personnel. StArtBio diagnostic centers have many years of experience with the BAT test, with highly trained molecular biologists both in the processing of BAT samples and in the interpretation of results, and are accredited by the ESYD (Hellenic Accreditation System) for this test.

Which Allergens Are Tested by the BAT Test?

The BAT test is versatile and can be adapted for various allergens, including:

Pharmaceutical Drugs:

Antibiotics (e.g. penicillin, cefuroxime, amoxicilline)
Analgesics (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen)
Myorelaxants (e.g. cisatracurium, propofol)
Local Anesthetics (e.g. articaine, lidocaine)
Contrast Media (e.g. iobitridol, iodixanol)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole)

Environmental Allergens:

Insect venoms (e.g. bees, wasps)
Inhalants (e.g. pollen, molds, dust mites)
Latex

Food Allergens:

Nuts and Seeds
Dairy and Eggs
Fish and meats
Fruits and Vegetables
Cereals

See the full list of drug active ingredients here.*

*In case you want to test a substance that is not included in the list, contact us and we will let you know if our laboratory can test it.

When Should I do the BAT Test?

The BAT test is recommended when skin tests or IgE tests are inconclusive, particularly for:

Drug allergies, to confirm sensitivity before administration
Anaphylaxis of unknown cause
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)
Airborne Allergens
Foods, before reintroduction, to avoid challenge
Insect Venoms

Why do the BAT Test?

The BAT test offers:

Accuracy: High specificity (sensitivity may vary in some cases).
Small Sample: Requires a minimal amount of blood.
Unaffected by most Medications*: Antihistamines do not affect results. *Systemic Corticosteroids and Cyclosporin should be avoided within 48 hours before the BAT test.
Adaptability: Tests rare or individualized allergens not available in other test, including most drugs.
Fast Results: Typically available within 3-5 days.

Who Can do the BAT Test?

The BAT test is suitable for all ages (reliability in some cases with very young children may be limited due to lower basophil counts or immature immune responses). It is ideal for:

Unclear or complex symptoms
Confirmation of sensitivity to drugs or venoms
History of severe allergic reactions

Typical allergy related symptoms include:

Respiratory issues
Skin reactions
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Swelling or dizziness

alex test allergens food meat fish spices fruit nuts seeds vegetables

Requirements / Preparation for BAT Test:

hours without Immunosuppressants (e.g. non-topical corticosteroids)

weeks after symptoms, in cases of infection

Immunosuppresants (e.g. non-topical corticosteroids) should be avoided 48 hours before the test.
Antihistamines and Topical Steroids do not interfere with test results.
Avoid testing during acute infections (e.g., flu, pneumonia, strep). A 3-4 week delay after symptoms and antibiotic completion is recommended.
In case of chronic infections (e.g. HIV, HCV) BAT can typically be performed, but ensure the lab is informed of the patient’s infection status to optimize test conditions and interpretation.

Inform the lab about your history of allergies and infections. The results should be correlated with your clinical history and other allergy tests.