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Review
. 2024 Sep 19;109(5):247-251.
doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325938.

How to diagnose IgE-mediated food allergy

Jay Lieberman  1 , Antonella Muraro  2 , Michael Blaiss  3
Affiliations
Review

How to diagnose IgE-mediated food allergy

Jay Lieberman et al. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. .

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy is an immune response, typically to a food protein. Accurate diagnosis reduces unnecessary dietary restrictions and economic and psychological burden on patients and caregivers but relies on a rigorous clinical history, specific IgE diagnostic tests and, where needed, oral food challenge. Increased awareness is needed around which patients to test for IgE-mediated food allergy, as well as terms commonly associated with IgE-mediated food allergy testing, in order to optimise patient diagnosis and management. Herein, we describe approaches to diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy, appropriate interpretation of results and risks of overtesting.

Keywords: Allergy and Immunology; Paediatrics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: JL has been an investigator, adjudicator or advisor for AbbVie, Aimmune, ALK, Aquestive Therapeutics, DBV Technologies, Novartis, Regeneron and Siolta Therapeutics. AM has been an investigator, consultant or advisor for Aimmune, DBV Technologies, Novartis and Viatris. MB has been an investigator, consultant or advisor for ALK, Amgen, AstraZeneca, DBV Technologies, Lanier Biotherapeutics, Merck, Prollergy, Regeneron and Sanofi.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Fagan nomograms incorporate multiple parameters to visualise the probability of an IgE-mediated food allergy. IgE, immunoglobulin E; LR, likelihood ratio; Neg, negative; Pos, positive; Prob, probability.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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