Food Allergy Testing

Food allergy evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Understanding the timing of symptoms, the amount of food eaten, and the type of reaction is often the most important step in determining whether a true food allergy is present.

When an IgE-mediated food allergy is suspected, skin prick testing and blood (IgE) testing can help identify the foods responsible. However, a positive test does not always mean a person is truly allergic, so test results must always be interpreted in the context of your clinical history. In some cases, an oral food challenge — the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy — is recommended to safely confirm or rule out a food allergy.

Food allergy symptoms can include hives, itching, swelling, eczema flares, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. In infants and young children, the most common food allergies include milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. In older children and adults, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are the most common food allergies.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made, we work closely with patients and families to develop an individualized management plan. This may include education on food avoidance, label reading, cross-contact prevention, nutritional guidance, emergency action plans, and the appropriate use of epinephrine. For selected patients, we also offer advanced treatment options, including oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and Xolair® (omalizumab), with treatment recommendations tailored to each patient’s goals and lifestyle.