Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an innovative treatment that helps desensitize individuals to food allergens through gradual, controlled exposure. To evaluate and monitor OIT patients, top Atlanta allergists use blood allergy testing at various stages in the process. This type of testing is quick and provides helpful insights for allergists and patients. Let’s examine the role of food allergy blood tests in supporting OIT.
Why Are Food Allergy Tests Used for Oral Immunotherapy?
Blood testing provides allergists with vital information during the allergen desensitization process. While it won’t always be required, the following situations show how blood tests can support patients throughout the oral immunotherapy journey.
Identify the Specific Food Allergens Triggering a Reaction
OIT helps patients build tolerance to a specific food allergen by consuming controlled amounts of the food protein. While the trigger (such as milk, eggs or peanuts) may seem obvious for some after a reaction, uncertainty can still exist for many others. Blood allergy testing will help identify exactly which foods are triggering an immune response.
Blood Testing Confirms an IgE-Mediated Allergy
Blood testing helps distinguish IgE-mediated food allergies from non-IgE-mediated conditions, such as celiac disease or food intolerances. As OIT is intended to treat allergic reactions involving IgE antibodies, this type of testing helps determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for allergen desensitization. For individuals whose symptoms result from non-allergic causes, an accurate diagnosis can prevent unnecessary or ineffective treatment.
Establish Sensitivity to Food Allergens
Oral immunotherapy can benefit children and adults by reducing sensitivity to the allergen. By measuring allergen-specific IgE levels through blood testing, allergists can estimate how reactive the immune system may be. This information helps guide the initial dosing strategy when a patient begins OIT.
Blood Testing Can Determine if Oral Immunotherapy Is Safe
High levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies may indicate a greater risk of allergic reactions during the OIT process. After reviewing your blood test results, your allergist can determine whether it’s safe to proceed with treatment. In some cases, extra precautions, such as slower dose escalation or emergency preparation, may be recommended.
Blood Testing Is an Alternative to Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing is a quick, reliable method for identifying food allergies. However, some patients (such as individuals with skin conditions or those unable to temporarily stop antihistamines) may not be suitable candidates for this type of testing. In these cases, blood testing offers a safe, effective alternative without the risk of triggering a reaction or requiring changes to medications. When skin testing isn’t appropriate, your allergist can use blood test results to help determine whether oral immunotherapy is the best treatment approach.
Visit Us for Food Allergy Blood Testing in the Atlanta Area
For support with oral immunotherapy and other food allergy treatment, speak with our specialists today. We offer blood testing and other diagnostic services to identify the foods triggering allergic reactions. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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