The basophil activation test (BAT) has significant potential as a diagnostic tool to better phenotype and manage patients with IgE-mediated allergies, so that only a small proportion of patients need to be challenged. Sample, reagent, laboratory procedure, analysis protocols, and population characteristics can influence BAT performance.^{1, 2} Regulatory approval and clinical implementation require extensive standardization of laboratory protocols, cytometer settings, and results interpretation.³ European national authorities require External Quality Assurance (EQA) of the performance of modern diagnostic laboratories by agencies independent of test suppliers to meet ISO 15189:2012, 15189:2013, and 9001:2015.

Allergy. 2024 Feb;79(2):290-293