Evaluation of a lymphocyte transformation test
The evaluation is based on cell division. High cell division is more likely to indicate an allergic reaction. However, there are reference values for each case and controls are performed.
For the evaluation or the correct interpretation of the test result, further clinical findings and allergy tests must be considered. Therefore, this test is not offered by all allergological practices, but mainly by immunological specialized practices. They have more experience and are better able to judge the significance of the test in the overall context. The test will probably be further developed in the future, so that it can be offered more widely and its significance will increase.
How reliable is the test result?
Since drug intolerances have been best investigated, the lymphocyte transformation test can provide the best information. Despite all this, no test result can be obtained with 100 percent certainty. In order to be certain, there must be further indications of an allergy to the particular drug.
Furthermore, experienced doctors and very good laboratories achieve better results. Especially when testing in the prophylactic sense, e.g. for metal incompatibilities in dental implants, the significance of this test is not so certain, even though it is advertised by some practices. Therefore, at the moment it only makes sense in this case if there is really a suspicion of an allergy. However, the test will improve in the coming years, so that the test results will be even more reliable.
Risks with a lymphocyte transformation test
First of all, there is the risk that for various reasons a wrong test result could be obtained, which would then lead to further negative consequences. Apart from a wrong test result, there are no risks for the patient, except for those that occur with any normal blood collection and these are very small. Often a small bruise is formed at the point of collection. Infections caused by a blood collection are extremely rare and are minimized by disinfecting the blood beforehand. Some people may suffer a psychologically induced circulatory collapse.
