How to test for food allergies without testing everything?

No fishing expedtion: Food allergy testing is most useful if there has been an observed adverse reaction to a particular food. Screening for potential food allergy is done to a panel of most common food allergens according to age. The most accurate way to diagnose food allergy is an oral challenge under medical supervision, especially if there is not a clear association with an allergic reaction.

History: Food allergy testing is driven by the clinical history. Random screening to numerous foods to see if food allergy is present is not appropriate.

History and testing: The best way to determine whether a patient has food allergy is to get a good history. We can perform skin testing and check blood levels to specific foods such as peanut, egg, milk, soy, or wheat that may be associated with allergic symptoms without testing to a whole food panel. Depending on the severity of a reaction, we can do an in office challenge and/or recommend avoidance.