MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Nitroblue tetrazolium test

Medical Encyclopedia

Nitroblue tetrazolium test

Nitroblue tetrazolium test is a blood test that measures the ability of the immune system to convert the colorless nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to a deep blue. This test is performed as a screen for chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). If an individual has CGD, the white cells in their blood will not turn blue when exposed to the NBT.

Update Date: 2/12/2009

Updated by: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Director, ICU Quality Improvement Critical Care Division, Baystate Medical Center, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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