title: [Role of the lymphocyte transformation test in the evaluation of metal sensitization].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The lymphocyte transformation test is used to determine T‑cell sensitization, whereby its benefit has been controversially discussed in the past.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  What role does the lymphocyte transformation test have in the detection of metal sensitization?
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on the current literature and our own work, the state of knowledge regarding the lymphocyte transformation test is presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In several studies, it was found that the lymphocyte transformation test, especially concerning metals, has sufficient specificity and sensitivity. Various modified test protocols that were more recently developed are also presented in this article. The lymphocyte transformation test is an assay which must be evaluated by the operating laboratories.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To detect metal sensitization, the lymphocyte transformation test can be useful especially in situations in which exposure did not occur via the skin, but from inside the body (e. g. by metal implants).
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, München, Deutschland. Burkhard.Summer@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Summer
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ständer
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kapp
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D008670:Metals
keywords: Contact allergy; Implant; LTT; Metal; Specificity