title: Beryllium BioBank: 2. Lymphocyte proliferation testing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To incrementally improve the use of beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Beryllium BioBank data were analyzed for 532 subjects in three groups: beryllium-exposed, sensitized, or chronic beryllium disease. Predictor variables were LPT stimulation index (SI) at the date of the earliest available data and at the study entry date.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cross-sectionally, LPT SI magnitude does not distinguish among the three groups. The likelihood of progression from sensitization to disease is associated with the absolute value of SI, but LPT SI interpreted by traditional cut point criteria was not predictive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Updating the criteria for interpreting beryllium LPT data should be considered. Prediction of progression to chronic beryllium disease may be improved by changing the cut point for interpretation or by using the SI as a continuous variable.
authors.affiliation: From the Community, Environment, and Policy Division, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harber
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alongi
mesh_terms: D001607:Berylliosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001608:Beryllium / Q000276:immunology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure
chemical_list: D001608:Beryllium