Food allergy testing

What it is

They may include skin tests, blood tests and, in some cases, oral food challenges, always interpreted within a specific medical context.

Your care

• A specialist diagnostic investigation.
• Carried out as part of a full allergy work-up.
• Only indicated after a detailed clinical assessment.
• Covered according to the medical context and the indication.

⚠ Food allergy tests are never carried out routinely.

Where does the test take place?

👉 At the practice for skin tests and blood tests.

👉 In a safe medical setting for oral food challenges, where indicated.

What is the test for?

Food allergy testing helps to:

• Identify an IgE-mediated food allergy.
• Distinguish between an allergy, an intolerance and a non-allergic reaction.
• Avoid unnecessary elimination diets.
• Prevent potentially serious allergic reactions.
• Guide nutritional and medical management.

Indications

• Reactions after eating a food (hives, swelling, digestive symptoms).
• Suspected food allergy in children or adults.
• Eczema made worse by certain foods.
• Suspected food-induced anaphylaxis.
• Allergy work-up in children with multiple allergies.
• Follow-up or reassessment of a known allergy.

What happens

Depending on the clinical picture, testing may include:

1. A detailed dietary history.
2. Skin tests (food skin prick tests).
3. Blood tests (specific IgE).
4. Oral food challenge (if necessary).

⏱ The duration depends on the type of test performed.

⚠ Oral food challenges are always carried out under close medical supervision.

Results

• Immediate results for skin tests.
• Delayed results for blood tests.
• Results are interpreted in light of your symptoms.
• A positive test does not always mean a clinical allergy.

👉 You receive a clear report with personalised recommendations.

Safety

• ✔ Tests carried out in a safe medical setting.
• ✔ Monitoring adapted to the level of risk.
• ✔ Local or generalised reactions are possible but kept under control.
• ✔ Emergency equipment available if needed.