The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test: Relevant issues in beryllium health surveillance

Abstract

The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (Be-LPT) measures beryllium-specific cellular immune response, and is useful in medical surveillance of beryllium sensitivity and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Current and former employees (n = 12,194) of 18 United States Department of Energy (DOE) sites were tested for beryllium sensitization at four laboratories with Be-LPT expertise. Beryllium sensitized individuals were offered evaluations for CBD. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of the Be-LPT were determined, as was inter- and intra-laboratory agreement. False positives were calculated to be 1.09%, with a laboratory range of 0.00-3.35% for the 10-year investigation. Be-LPTs performed on inter-laboratory split blood specimens from sensitized individuals showed a false negative rate of 31.7%. The intra-laboratory repeatability of abnormal Be-LPT results ranged from 80.4-91.9%. The sensitivity of the Be-LPT was determined to be 0.683, with a specificity of 0.969. The PPV of one abnormal Be-LPT was 0.253. The Be-LPT is efficacious in medical surveillance of beryllium-exposed individuals. The PPV of the Be-LPT is comparable to other widely accepted medical tests. Confirmation of an abnormal result is recommended to assure appropriate referral for CBD medical evaluation.