Value of beryllium lymphocyte transformation tests in chronic beryllium disease and in potentially exposed workers.

The beryllium lymphocyte transformation test was performed on 16 patients with chronic beryllium disease, 10 subjects (seven patients and three young boys) who were under suspicion, and 117 healthy beryllium workers. The tests gave a positive response in all patients with definite disease and a negative response in the suspected group. Two of the healthy workers had a positive response, indicating both exposure and sensitisation. It is not known whether sensitised workers are more liable to develop disease. We consider that the test is of value in the diagnosis of beryllium disease and advocate its use in monitoring the health of potentially exposed workers.