Here, we prick the skin gently and apply tiny amounts of food protein. Reactions such as redness or bumps can help identify specific food allergens.
A blood test can determine the immune system’s response to a specific food by identifying the level of IgE antibodies in the blood. Elevated antibody levels may suggest that the immune system is sensitized to the allergen.
If skin prick and blood testing do not confirm specific food allergies, we may recommend an oral food challenge under medical supervision. This involves ingesting tiny amounts of the suspected allergen to monitor for reactions, which can definitively confirm or rule out a food allergy.
Basophil Activation Test (BAT)
The basophil activation test (BAT) is a blood test that helps diagnose food allergies by measuring the level of activated basophils, a type of white blood cell, after exposure to various food allergens. This test can help determine whether you or your child has a true allergy rather than just sensitization.