Beryllium Sensitization

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This information was reviewed and approved by Lisa A. Maier, MD, MSPH, FCCP (6/30/2021).

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).

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  • Shu-Yi Liao

    Shu-Yi Liao, MD, MPH, ScD

  • Lisa A. Maier

    Lisa A. Maier, MD, MSPH, FCCP

  • Annyce S. Mayer

    Annyce S. Mayer, MD, MSPH

  • Karin A. Pacheco

    Karin A. Pacheco, MD, MSPH

  • Clara Restrepo

    Clara Restrepo, MD

  • Kalie M. VonFeldt

    Kalie M. VonFeldt, PA-C, MS

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