food allergy testing

Food allergy testing identifies if your immune system reacts abnormally to specific foods. Common methods include skin prick tests, where small amounts of food proteins are placed on the skin to observe reactions, and blood tests that measure allergen-specific antibodies called IgE. These tests help determine which foods may cause allergic responses, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. It’s important to interpret results with a healthcare professional, as false positives can occur. Testing guides management through avoidance strategies and proper diagnosis, but should always be combined with clinical history and, if needed, supervised food challenges.