Clinical Significance and Interpretation of Allergen-Specific IgE Testing in Regard to Food Allergy

Food allergy is an adverse reaction that occurs after ingesting food and is caused by an aberrant immune response. Taking a detailed medical history is the most important part of diagnosing food allergies. When an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy is suspected, food-specific IgE testing can confirm the diagnosis. Allergen skin-prick tests or serum tests for specific IgE should be considered as the first line of testing, and depending on the offending food, a further prick-to-prick test with fresh food or a component-resolved diagnostic test may be helpful. Interpretation of the results should be based on the patient’s medical history.