Our laboratory service is the only UK site currently carrying out beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPT) for patients.
This page explains how patients can do the test and when to expect any results.
What is the test?
The BeLPT is a blood test which is used to see if you have developed an immune response in your blood to beryllium. We call this sensitisation.
How do I do the test?
A healthcare professional would need to refer you to do the test with us.
You will be asked to do a blood test at a named hospital close to our laboratory in Chelsea, southwest London, and early on a Friday morning. The test requires 30ml blood (about 5 small blood bottles). We advise patients to drink plenty of water beforehand to ensure they stay hydrated for the blood test. You do not need to fast before the test.
Our nurse will contact you beforehand to arrange a suitable date for you to do this test. On the day, our nurse will meet you in the hospital and guide you to the blood test room.
Once you have done the blood test, you can leave the hospital. The nurse will then take your blood samples to our laboratory within the hour, where it will be processed.
What happens to my blood?
In the laboratory, the white blood cells are separated from the other blood cells and then mixed with a beryllium solution. We then measure if your white blood cells multiply or not in response to the beryllium solution. If these cells multiply, this means your immune system is sensitised to beryllium. If the cells do not multiply, this means your immune system is not sensitised to beryllium. This process takes place over several days.
How do I get my results?
Your results will be sent to the healthcare professional who referred you to do the test, around three weeks after your blood test. Please speak with the healthcare professional for more information about your results.
