Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Skin Testing: Accurate for Food Allergies?

I recently got a skin-***** test to test for several food allergies. I was very few positives as I eat whatever I want with no ill effects.

Turns out the skin test showed a reaction to cow's milk, chicken, eggs, soy, whole wheat, yeast, and tomatoes.

I was shocked, because I eat these foods all the time (especially chicken and eggs, with my new "low carb" lifestyle) and never had anything in the way of a reaction; no abdominal cramps, nausea, gas, etc.

The bumps on my arm where he tested were large and clear as day. My question is: even if the skin test is positive, but I never had a problem eating these foods, do I in fact have an allergy to them???
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1355118 tn?1298564879
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, skin testing is not 100% reliable. This test is usually done along with careful history of allergy. This skin testing has only 50% specificity. In 100 patients it can accurately tell that 50 people are having allergy to particular food. Sometimes commercial extracts of fruits and vegetables are inadequate because the responsible allergen may be labile and altered during processing.

One thing we can be sure that if the tests are negative, it means that there are no raised IgE  levels in the body.  Because of the low specificity of skin testing, it should not be used to screen patients for allergy by testing with broad panels of food allergens without taking a note of clinical history, as this is likely to yield false positive results. Hence, the results may be false in your case. Take care and regards.
Helpful - 0
1530171 tn?1448129593

Hi and welcome to the forum!
Most accurate test I've found is Dr.Coca's Pulse test (free download).
Takes a week to complete.
I use muscle testing  for people ( I practice allergy elimination among other Energy Medicine work) as it gives me instant feedback.
And this goes for any reaction to any substance (enviromental, chemical, body parts , food, drink etc)
They are 5 categories of allergies and sensitivities and some are not evident. Others have a latent nature.
Hope this helps.
Post again if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Nikodicreta
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Allergy Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Find out if your city is a top "allergy capital."
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.
Allergist Dr. Lily Pien answers Medhelp users' most pressing allergy-related questions
When you start sniffling and sneezing, you know spring has sprung. Check out these four natural remedies to nix spring allergies.