SKIN-TEST IN DIAGNOSIS OF FOOD ALLERGY

Skin tests have for many years been widely used in the diagnosis of allergic diseases. Standardized allergic tests are commonly available for the diagnosis of inhalant allergy. However, food allergens have been studied and no standardized preparations are available. Methods for skin testing vary between regions. In North America, the intradermal skin-test method dominates. On the other hand, pediatricians and Europeans favor the use of skin-prick test, as it is less painful and gives the same information as the intradermal method. Methods for interpretation also vary between regions and groups of doctors. Furthermore, criteria for disease (i.e., presence of food allergy) also varies. Because of the lack of standardized allergen techniques and methods, there are difficulties in understanding and using the new data presented in scientific journals. In this article I discuss these difficulties and propose how to handle these problems, concentrating on the skin-prick test method.