Blood Tests Can Cause Misdiagnosis of Food Allergies

A few months ago, my colleague wrote an a entry on a New York Time’s article that touted an increase in the misdiagnosis of food allergies. A similar study was presented this weekend at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s (AAAAI) annual meeting.

According to the study by David Fleischer, M.D. of National Jewish Health in Denver, common blood tests for food-specific serum IgE’s are often wrong and aren’t a good basis for restricting children’s diets. The study included supervising oral food challenges — in which children observed by professionals are fed increasing amounts of suspect foods over time to gauge their reactions. The study showed that 50 percent of the kids tested could tolerate foods they had been told to avoid.

To read more about the study, click here.

And if you have any questions, send them my way!

- Christine