Diagnostic Value of the Bronchial Provocation Test With Methacholine in Asthma

Methacholine challenge test: Diagnostic characteristics in asthmatic patients receiving controller medications

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][12][13][14]21 In studies with large sample sizes, sensitivity ranged from 51% 12 to 100%, 6 and specificity ranged from 49% 14 to 100% (Table IV) [5][6][7][8][9][10][12][13][14]21 However, the current ATS guidelines suggest that MCTs can be used to clinically exclude asthma if the PC 20 is greater than 16 mg/mL in the proper clinical setting. 15 This conclusion was based mainly on studies before ICS use had become a mainstay treatment for asthma.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Previous clinical studies have reported a wide range of values for the sensitivity of the MCT for detecting asthma. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] However, based mainly on selected older clinical trials, 5,6,9 this test is often interpreted by clinicians to have a high sensitivity and negative predictive value. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines on MCT state that ''if the prior probability of asthma is 30-70% and the PC 20 is >16 mg/mL, it may be stated with a high degree of confidence that the patient does not currently have asthma.''…”

The diagnosis and management of chronic cough

“…These tests are best used to exclude asthma [106]. In chronic nonasthmatic cough patients gross BHR is not found [107].…”

Bronchial Challenge Testing

“…between 48-70%. (Perpina, 1993). One of the difficulties with the MCT is its poor positive predictive value.…”