The nitroblue tetrazolium test looks to see if certain immune system cells can change a colorless chemical called nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) into a deep blue color.
A sample of your blood will be taken out of a vein.
The chemical NBT is added to the white blood cells in the lab. The cells are then examined under a microscope to see id the chemical has made them turn blue.
If a child is having the test, it may be helpful to explain what will happen and how the test will feel. Knowing the "how and why" may help the child relax.
There may be slight pain or stinging feeling when the needle is inserted to draw blood. There may be some throbbing at the site after the blood is taken.
This test is done to screen for chronic granulomatous disease. This disorder is passed down in families. In people who have this disease, certain immune cells do not help protect the body from infections.
People who have frequent infections in the bones, skin, joints, lungs, and other parts of the body may have this test done.
Normally, the white blood cells turn blue when NBT is added. This means that the cells should be able to kill bacteria and protect the person from infections.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly from one lab to another. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.
If the sample does not change color when NBT is added, the white blood cells are missing the substance needed to kill bacteria. This may be due to chronic granulomatous disease.
There is very little risk involved with having blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size so taking blood may be harder in some people than in others.
Other slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
GlogauerM. Disorders of phagocyte function. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 172.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
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