BERYLLIOSIS DIAGNOSIS |
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Berylliosis is initially suspected if a
patient with symptoms of the disease has a history of beryllium
exposure. A chest x ray shows characteristic changes in the lungs.
However, since these changes can resemble those caused by other lung
diseases, further testing may be necessary.
The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), a blood test
that can detect beryllium sensitivity (i.e. an allergic reaction to
beryllium), is used to screen individuals at risk of developing
berylliosis. When screening results reveal a high level of
sensitivity, BeLPT is performed on cells washed from the lungs. This
test is now considered the most definitive diagnostic test for
berylliosis. |
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| BERYLLIOSIS RELATED ITEMS |
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