Diagnosing Peanut Allergy with Fewer Oral Food Challenges

Abstract

Diagnosis of peanut allergy presents a significant clinical challenge. Accurate diagnosis is critical for patient management and prevention of allergic reactions, whereas overdiagnosis or failure to diagnose tolerance in a previously allergic patient can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and impaired quality of life. Oral food challenges, the criterion standard for diagnosis, pose a risk of potentially severe allergic reactions, and are time- and resource- intensive. In this article, we review other currently available tests for peanut allergy and present the strengths and weaknesses of each to assist the clinician in determining which test might be appropriate for their patients, as ..