Professional allergy testing is a crucial part of diagnosing a food allergy. And with blood allergy testing, skin testing and oral food challenges, Atlanta patients can get the testing they require for a proper diagnosis. Taking blood from a patient is a straightforward process that is quick and pain-free. But just how accurate is blood testing, and can you rely on the results?
Is a Food Allergy Blood Test Accurate?
Food allergy blood testing is one of the critical tools allergists use to diagnose an allergy. Along with skin prick testing, blood testing is a common approach used to identify the allergens responsible for allergic symptoms. But while blood testing is accurate, no testing method will provide 100% certainty by itself.
Data indicates that blood tests are approximately 95% accurate in providing negative results. This means that when your allergist wants to rule out an allergy to a particular food, blood testing offers a reliable, safe option. In contrast, false positives are far more likely to occur. Around 50–60% of positive blood test results are false positives, identifying proteins that are not actually causing an allergic reaction.
Fortunately, experienced allergists understand they won’t gain all the data they need from blood test results. In practice, the benefits of an allergy blood test include the ability to gain information that will be used in conjunction with medical records and physical exams, along with a discussion about symptoms.
Finding increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies is valuable information, yet your allergist may still run multiple tests, or use an oral challenge test for confirmation. In addition, blood tests are useful in monitoring IgE levels to see whether a patient may have outgrown their allergy. For people unable to temporarily stop medication (or those who cannot risk contact with the allergen), blood tests may also be the safest option.
Are Home Food Sensitivity Blood Tests Accurate?
There’s been a sharp rise in the number of home testing kits that require blood samples. These kits usually promise to test for food sensitivity using food-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing. However, multiple studies indicate that these home tests cannot diagnose a food allergy reliably.
What Are the Next Steps After an Allergy Blood Test?
Your allergist will assess test results and other available patient information to make a diagnosis. If you are confirmed to have an allergy, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to meet your needs. A food allergy treatment plan typically involves education on allergen risks, the use of medication and access to epinephrine. Where appropriate, oral immunotherapy treatment can desensitize the immune system for long-term relief from an allergy.
Accurate Food Allergy Blood Testing Services in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center has experienced allergists providing effective food allergy testing and treatment services. Our reliable testing and food allergy treatment centers are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. To visit us, call (678) 668-4688 or make an appointment today.
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