Beryllium Sensitization Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Ask a Question Reviewed by Lisa A. Maier, MD, MSPH, FCCP (July 01, 2021) About Beryllium Sensitization Beryllium sensitization is an allergy to beryllium that may develop after a susceptible person breathes beryllium dust or fumes, or if beryllium penetrates the skin through an open cut or skin exposure. Individuals that have a certain gene called HLA-DPB Glu69 are susceptible and more likely to become sensitized after exposure to beryllium. In individuals with beryllium sensitization, the immune system thinks beryllium is a “foreign substance” and sends immune cells into the bloodstream that react to the beryllium. These cells can be found in the blood using a test called the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). Programs & Services Beryllium Program Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Lisa A. Maier, MD, MSPH, FCCP (July 01, 2021) About Beryllium Sensitization Beryllium sensitization is an allergy to beryllium that may develop after a susceptible person breathes beryllium dust or fumes, or if beryllium penetrates the skin through an open cut or skin exposure. Individuals that have a certain gene called HLA-DPB Glu69 are susceptible and more likely to become sensitized after exposure to beryllium. In individuals with beryllium sensitization, the immune system thinks beryllium is a “foreign substance” and sends immune cells into the bloodstream that react to the beryllium. These cells can be found in the blood using a test called the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT).