Food Allergy Testing

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Food allergy testing

Description:

Food allergy testing is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms using a number of methods. There are some tools which a doctor may use to determine which substance is causing the allergy on a particular body part.

Necessity to conduct the test:

Allergy test are done to determine the object that may be responsible to cause an allergic reaction to a person. The reasons which may call for a test are:

“Food allergies”

“contact dermatitis”

“Penicillin allergy”

“Angioedema and hives”

Symptoms that are not easily controlled with medications like ‘Allergic rhinitis and asthma

History, to detect the potential allergens (the substance suspected to have caused the allergy)

It may start with the first visit one had with doctor when first allergy symptoms appeared. It will then be followed up with a physical examination and a history. A physician may ask about the kind of food intake when the symptoms began or what changes have been experienced in the environment.

Then the doctor will carry on the diagnostic testing based on the history. History can help to detect the allergens which might have caused the allergy and also the appropriate testing method to be conducted further.

Skin test

It is the most common test, also known as prick test or scratch test. It is used to detect the number of potential allergens at one time. Doctor places a small amount of allergens suspected to cause an allergy on the skin, generally on the forearm, upper arm or the back. Then the skin is pricked, as the name suggest, so that the allergens goes under the skin surface. Then the skin is closely watched for any reaction like swelling or redness. Results are seen within 15 to 20 minutes. If i...

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...hether they have an allergic reaction.

Double-blind test

In this method foods and harmless substances are given in a disguised form. Both the provider and the person being tested are unaware whether it is a harmless substance or food. The identity of the substance is only known by a third party who uses some sort of code. Several sessions of the test is required if more than one material is under investigation. This is practical and useful for patient with mild allergic reactions but needs to be conducted carefully on individuals with severe reactions to foods.

Provocation

In this test the person is exposed to a suspected allergen under controlled circumstances. It may be included in the diet or by breathing in the allergen. This should be done only by a doctor as it may provoke severe allergic reactions.

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