From the Guidelines
Allergists or immunologists are the specialists who primarily perform food allergy testing. If you suspect you have a food allergy, you should seek a referral to an allergist-immunologist from your primary care physician. These specialists conduct various tests to diagnose food allergies, including skin prick tests, blood tests (such as specific IgE tests), and oral food challenges under medical supervision 1. The testing process typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by appropriate diagnostic tests based on your symptoms and suspected allergens.
Key Points to Consider
- Allergists are specifically trained to interpret these test results accurately and develop management plans for food allergies 1.
- They can also distinguish between true food allergies (which involve the immune system and can be life-threatening) and food intolerances (which typically cause digestive issues but aren't immune-mediated).
- Early diagnosis and proper management of food allergies are crucial to prevent potentially severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Diagnostic Tests
- Skin prick tests are currently conducted by specialists in allergy or immunology and directly assess the presence of mast cell-bound allergen-specific IgE 1.
- Serum IgE tests quantify free specific serum IgE but do not measure IgE bound to mast cells that participate in a reaction.
- Oral food challenges under medical supervision are also used to diagnose food allergies. It's essential to note that a positive test result alone does not establish the diagnosis of clinical food allergy, but rather provides evidence of sensitization 1.
From the Research
Food Allergy Testing Specialists
The following specialists are involved in food allergy testing:
- Allergists: They are the primary specialists who conduct food allergy testing, including skin prick tests, serum food-specific IgE testing, and oral food challenges 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Immunologists: They may also be involved in food allergy testing, particularly in cases where the patient has a complex immune system disorder 6.
- Pediatricians: In the case of children, pediatricians may work with allergists to diagnose and manage food allergies 3, 5.
Testing Procedures
The testing procedures for food allergies include:
- Skin prick testing (SPT): This is a common test used to diagnose IgE-mediated food allergies 2, 4, 5.
- Serum food-specific IgE testing: This test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood to specific foods 2, 3, 5.
- Oral food challenge (OFC): This is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies and is usually conducted by experienced physicians in a controlled environment 2, 3, 5.