Basophil Activation Test Surpasses Standard Methods in Detecting Milk Allergy in Children
A new study reveals that the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) outperforms traditional allergy tests in accurately diagnosing cow's milk allergy in children, potentially reducing the need for invasive food challenges.
Recent research from King's College London in collaboration with Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust has demonstrated that the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) offers superior accuracy over traditional allergy tests for diagnosing cow's milk allergy in children. This breakthrough could significantly alter current diagnostic approaches and lessen reliance on oral food challenges.
The study examined 150 children undergoing oral food challenges to confirm milk allergy. Researchers compared the effectiveness of BAT with conventional tests such as skin prick and specific IgE measurements. Results revealed that BAT more precisely identified children reacting to milk, especially in those under two years old, reducing the need for invasive and time-consuming food challenges.
BAT assesses how basophils, a type of white blood cell, respond when exposed to milk proteins in a blood sample. Unlike traditional testing methods, this assay provides a more accurate reflection of clinical allergy, potentially offering a safer alternative to oral food challenges. The findings, published in the journal Allergy, indicate that BAT could facilitate earlier and more reliable diagnosis, aiding in appropriate management and dietary planning.
The study also highlighted that BAT could be particularly valuable in guiding safe reintroduction of milk, including baked milk, into children’s diets. Incorporating baked milk has been shown to promote tolerance development and reduce long-term dietary restrictions. By improving diagnostic accuracy, BAT can help cut down on the number of oral food challenges required, saving healthcare resources and minimizing discomfort for patients.
Overall, the adoption of BAT in clinical practice could revolutionize the diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy, reducing diagnostic errors and associated risks, while streamlining the process for families and healthcare providers.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-basophil-outperforms-current-allergy-young.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Innovative Cancer Drug Enhances Chemotherapy Response, Even in Resistant Tumors
A new oral cancer drug developed by King's College London aims to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, even against resistant tumors, by targeting immune-suppressing proteins produced by tumor-associated macrophages. Early studies show promising results that could lead to improved cancer treatment options.
Understanding the Differences Between Acute and Chronic Pain and Factors Contributing to Pain Persistence
Recent research reveals how the brain's response to pain differs between acute and chronic conditions, highlighting potential targets for innovative pain treatments. Learn how neural mechanisms and the A-type potassium current influence pain persistence.
Breakthrough in Primate Stem Cell Research: Adult Cells Identified in Small Non-Human Primate
Scientists have uncovered adult stem cells in a small non-human primate, the mouse lemur, offering promising new avenues for regenerative medicine and muscle disease treatments. This discovery enhances our understanding of primate biology and improves the development of human therapies.