Skin testing with food allergens. Guideline of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the Physicians' Association of German Allergologists (ADA) and the Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPA) together with the Swiss Society of Allergology

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2008 Nov;6(11):983-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2008.06889.x.
[Article in English, German]

Abstract

Skin testing has a central role in the diagnosis of food allergy. Prick testing is well- established as a routine diagnostic tool. Nonetheless, unstable allergens and the lack of standardized extracts create difficulties in the identification of sensitization to foods in patients with suspected food allergy. Therefore prick-to-prick tests with native (raw, fresh) foods are still recommended. The indications and contraindications are the same as those of routine skin testing in clinical allergology. We recommend a careful and restricted application of skin tests in patients with a history of severe anaphylaxis to foods.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / analysis*
  • Allergy and Immunology / standards*
  • Dermatology / standards*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics / standards*
  • Skin Tests / standards*
  • Switzerland

Substances

  • Allergens