05 March 2015

What type of Food Allergy test is most reliable?

From Allergy Asthma Network's Ask an Allergist 

It's very important to see the right doctor for Food Allergy Testing, which is a board certified Allergist. They will ask about your medical history to see if it is consistent with a possible food allergy. The allergist can then determine the specific allergens to test.

Allergy testing for foods can be done either by skin prick testing, or by testing the blood for specific IgE directed against the potential food allergen. Both tests provide reliable results, although there’s not always complete agreement in the results between the two tests. Some allergist choose to use both  tests in their practice.

The skin test provides almost immediate results with a small, localized reaction that you can actually see. Follow up can be done with a blood test that gives an actual IgE level for the food (or other allergen). The blood test can then be tracked every 6-12 months to determine whether or not the person is outgrowing the allergy (typically more common in children)

Interpretation of blood test results for food allergy can be tricky. A very low positive result is not always clinically relevant, and an allergist’s input can be helpful in determining which foods should be eliminated from the diet.

If the reactions are restricted to eczema (40% of eczema patients have food allergies) then elimination of those foods that tested positive can be helpful. If the clinical relevance of the positive test is unclear, gradual reintroduction (per your doctor’s instructions) of one food at a time can help determine which foods are contributing to eczema.

However, if the person has experienced an allergic reaction not related to an eczema flare, then reintroduction of a food allergen at home without medical supervision could be dangerous.

People with food allergies are prescribed two epinephrine auto-injectors and urged to avoid the food allergen in their diet. Allergist should follow the blood test results to determine whether the person's IGe level is decreasing. If the doctor thinks that it may be safe to reintroduce a food, usually they do an in-office food challenge under medical supervision before clearing the person to eat the food at home.

16 comments:

  1. It's really good to know what tests to have done for my son. He's been showing some signs of food allergies lately, but we're not really sure. From some posts you have on your blog, it sounds like food allergies change your lifestyle quite a bit. We don't want our son to do that unless he actually has an allergy. I guess that's why you go to the allergy specialists that have the latest and most accurate tests. http://www.drdianeozog.com

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  2. I think my daughter might have some sort of food allergy, but I can't figure out what it is. She is pretty little, so when we do allergy testing, I want to do the best kind possible, so we only have to do it once. It sounds like blood testing is the way to go, since it is the most accurate.

    http://www.drdianeozog.com

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    1. Gwen,
      Nothing is 100% when it comes to testing. I would look at both types of testing for children maybe starting first with blood and then going to skin test and then oral food challenges. The best thing to do is create a food/activity log and document what foods are being eaten and then if there is a reaction. Think all the way thru the ingredients because it could be as small as something like Vanilla or Soy that you wouldn't think would be in everything. An AllerCoach can also help with this. www.AllerCoach.com

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  3. Very useful for me, thanks very much

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  4. I was looking for this information. Thanks

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  5. Very interesting information. Thanks for sharing. Food allergies are a problem for many people.

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  6. I have looking for answers to my problems with food allergy. I can't eat eggs because my hands became red.

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    Replies
    1. Sonya,
      Would love for you to connect to a certified Allercoach and help connect you with an allergist. www.Allercoach.com It's a journey but better to figure it out now than die over it.
      XO-
      Chef Lara

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  7. This was seriously helpful! Thanks.

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  10. Very insightful article, thanks for sharing.

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  11. My blood is type B. I can't eat strawberry. Thank you for your sharing!

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  12. this is good and helpful info
    thanks for posting

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