The Basophil Activation Test as a Diagnostic Tool in Pediatric Food Allergy

Background: The need for an oral food challenge (OFC) surrogate is growing in line with the continuous increase in the prevalence and severity of paediatric food allergy. The basophil activation test (BAT) has recently been reported as a promising tool for predicting the outcome of OFC in children. Objective: We make the hypothesis that BAT might improve the sensitivity of food allergy diagnosis and spare part of current OFC in paediatric patients attending allergy departments in Marseille APHM University hospitals. Methods: BAT will be performed in parallel with OFC in 100 paediatric patients receiving OFC during a diagnostic or follow-up procedure. Expected results: Good concordance of BAT and OFC results leading to potential OFC replacement by BAT in at least 50% of the study population