title: Diagnostic testing in the evaluation of food allergy.
abstract: Food-related symptoms are frequent in childhood, and pediatricians are often requested to initiate a food allergy diagnostic workup. A careful history is the cornerstone for assessing whether tests are needed and which diagnostic procedures are most appropriate. Skin prick tests should be performed only according to standard procedures by a skilled health professional. Determining serum IgE levels (in vitro tests) are available for a wide range of foods. Of utmost importance is the need to correlate test results to the clinical picture. When a conclusion cannot be reached, oral food challenges should be performed for a definite diagnosis.
authors: Pediatric Allergy Unit, Childrens Hospital, University Hospitals of Geneva, 6, rue Willy-Donze, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Philippe.Eigenmann@hcuge.ch
authors: Philippe A
authors: PA
authors: Eigenmann
authors: Jae-Won
authors: JW
authors: Oh
authors: Kirsten
authors: K
authors: Beyer
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens; D002648:Child; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E