Food Allergy Testing: Skin Prick, Blood Tests and Oral Food Challenge

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Welcome to our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast series on understanding allergies. This episode explains the tests available for diagnosing food allergies. Food allergy testing involves skin prick tests, three types of blood tests, and oral food challenges. We explore the importance of reaction history in making an accurate food allergy diagnosis.

The podcast episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Our co-hosts, Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney, are joined by board-certified allergist and immunologist David Stukus, MD. Together they explore challenges in food allergy testing, from identifying reliable testing methods to interpreting results.

Learn more about the podcast and hosts on ItchPodcast.com. The podcast can be downloaded on all major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere:

This episode is sponsored by Genentech.

All opinions on the show represent the views of the podcasters and the guest. Sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.

The Art of Food Allergy Testing

Dr. David Stukus breaks down the essentials of food allergy testing. From avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions to understanding why IgG tests are unreliable, you’ll learn practical advice for navigating a food allergy diagnosis.

Key Takeaways from the Food Allergy Testing Podcast

This episode is a deep dive into food allergy testing, providing information and education on

  • A patient’s reaction history is essential for accurate testing.
  • How a skin prick test works.
  • The blood tests allergists use: IgE serum test, component testing, and epitope mapping.
  • IgG testing is not a trusted diagnostic tool and can lead to confusion.
  • Why oral food challenges are the most reliable method to determine an allergy diagnosis.
  • Seeing an allergist ensures evidence-based care and accurate results.

Food Allergy Testing Podcast Timestamps

00:54 – Meet Dr. David Stukus.

01:32 – Why your allergy history matters.

02:34 – Which foods should be tested?

04:05 – What happens during your first allergist visit?

05:44 – How allergists pick the right tests.

07:01 – What is a skin prick test?

11:30 – How blood tests help with diagnosis.

14:01 – Why you shouldn’t read test results on your own.

14:41 – What are false positives and negatives?

14:49 – Why IgG testing isn’t reliable.

18:22 – Why testing for everything isn’t a good idea.

20:21 – How component testing works.

25:38 – What is epitope mapping?

30:11 – What affects how bad a reaction is?

32:14 – What happens in an oral food challenge?

35:34 – What is a double-blind food challenge?

38:34 – When should you see an allergist?

Additional Resources for Food Allergies: 

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