nitroblue tetrazolium test

ni·tro·blue tet·ra·zo·li·um test (NBT test),

a test to detect the phagocytic ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by measuring the capacity of the oxygen-dependent leukocytic bactericidal system.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

NBT test

Nitroblue tetrazolium test. A quantitative test of neutrophil peroxidase activity. The test measures phagocytic capacity and the ability to reduce NBT, which precipitates as blue-black clumps of reduced NBT (formazan), if superoxide or O2– is produced in test cell, indicating an intact hexose monophosphate shunt. NBT reduction is defective in chronic granulomatous disease.

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