Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Blood Lymphocyte Stimulation with Beryllium

Test Code

BELPT

Winter weather in Denver can fluctuate wildly and bring ultra-cold temperatures, which can negatively affect blood samples when shipping, with freezing or potential weather delays killing cells and rendering samples unusable.

From December to April, and on extreme cold temperature days outside of these months, please follow these recommedations:
  • Ensure that a minimum of 40 mL of whole blood is sent to the laboratory.
  • Add extra insulation around sample tubes, such as paper towels, cold packs warmed to room temperature, or any other insulating item that will protect samples from winter weather conditions.
  • Ship via priority overnight courier

Description

The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is the gold standard screening tool for workers who are exposed to beryllium. This simple blood test identifies beryllium sensitization and is recommended for workers with exposure to any form of beryllium dust or fumes – including pure beryllium metal, copper-beryllium alloys, aluminum-beryllium alloys, nickel-beryllium alloys, recycled scrap containing beryllium, ceramics and composite materials. Exposure to beryllium can be harmful and can cause health effects such as beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD).

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Energy both require workers receive beryllium lymphocyte proliferation testing as part of their medical surveillance exams.

Find a Test