Skin prick testing is the most common test used to diagnose food allergies. It’s a simple procedure that can test for multiple allergens at once, and provides results within 15–20 minutes. Food allergens are placed on the skin, the area is lightly pricked and then monitored for the appearance of raised bumps.
Blood testing is usually preferred when a skin condition or medication prevents the use of skin prick testing. During an in-office visit, a blood sample is taken and sent for laboratory testing. The analysis measures IgE antibodies to specific foods and looks for signs of raised levels.
An oral food challenge is the most accurate way to test for a food allergy, but it takes several hours plus an observation period at the end. Patients consume increasing amounts of the problem food at our food allergy treatment center near Prosper. The patient is monitored closely for a reaction to help confirm or rule out the suspected food allergy.
Basophil Activation Test (BAT)
A basophil activation test is an advanced blood test that assesses how immune cells respond when exposed to food allergens in a lab. Unlike an oral food challenge, the body is not exposed to allergens, so there’s no risk of a reaction.