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Food Allergy Screening Methods

Food allergy screening tests help patients detect allergens, thereby having an appropriate diet. 

Food allergy screening tests are essential in detecting and diagnosing dairy, egg, fish, and other food allergies. Allergy testing methods will be indicated on a case-by-case basis. 

1. What is Food Allergy? 

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A food allergy is an immune system reaction to certain foods when introduced into the body

A food allergy is an immune system reaction to certain foods when introduced into the body. Allergies can occur even when you consume small amounts of food, causing symptoms such as digestive disorders, rashes, difficulty breathing, dizziness, lightheadedness, bronchitis, anaphylaxis,… 

Many people often confuse a food allergy with food intolerance. Therefore, it is essential to perform tests to help find the cause. 

1.1 Does a food allergy go away on its own? 

The allergy can be severe or mild depending on the type of allergy and the patient’s health status and location. Usually, if a food allergy is detected early and has a suitable diet, it will go away on its own after about 4-24 hours. However, there are cases of severe allergies, causing dangerous complications. When detecting abnormal signs in the body, it is necessary to go to the nearest medical facility for timely examination and treatment. 

1.2 Common types of food allergies 

Egg 

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Chicken egg allergy is mainly seen in young children

Egg allergy is quite common in children (rare in adults). In particular, the allergy to egg white is often higher than that of yolk. In some cases, people may be allergic to both. Symptoms of an egg allergy include rash, hives, vomiting, nasal congestion, or other digestive problems. 

Dairy cows 

Cow’s milk is a food that quickly causes allergies in babies, especially children under 6 months. Cow’s milk allergy is more familiar with IgE allergies, and non-IgE allergies are less common. 

Children with an IgE cow’s milk allergy usually have a rash, hives, vomiting, and edema right after drinking milk for about 5 to 30 minutes. As for the non-IgE cow’s milk allergy, the children’s manifestations are vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and enteritis. Parents need to stop using milk for children with signs of allergy after using cow’s milk and immediately take the child to a specialized medical facility for an accurate diagnosis. 

Fish 

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Fish allergy can be life-threatening

Fish allergy can occur in both children and adults. A person may be allergic to one or more types of fish. When there are signs of an allergic reaction, the patient must not be subjective because an allergy can be life-threatening.  

Wheat 

One or more of the proteins found in wheat can cause an allergic reaction, with children most affected. Wheat allergy is easily confused with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity is not due to celiac disease, but the severity of the wheat allergy is higher. Therefore, allergen testing for babies is vital. 

Peanut 

Peanut allergy is a common allergy that can affect both adults and children. This type of allergy can be life-threatening if not detected early. The only treatment for this type of allergy is eliminating peanuts and peanut products from the diet. 

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Peanut allergy can occur in both adults and children

Soybean 

Soybeans are common ingredients in many foods but can also be allergens. About 0.4% of children are allergic to soy, which is most common in children under 3 years of age. 

2. Food Allergy Screening Methods 

Food allergy screening test helps patients know which foods are not suitable for the body, thereby learning how to prevent and build a scientific diet for themselves. Here are some standard food testing methods. 

2.1 Skin Reactivity Test 

With this method, the patient will be injected with potentially allergenic substances under the skin to test the reaction. Skin reaction testing is often used when an allergen is suspected to be food, mold, pollen, etc. 

2.2 Blood tests 

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Blood testing is the most commonly used method today 

The blood test is the fastest and most accurate test method. This method helps to detect IgE antibody levels in the blood in people with suspected food allergies.  

2.3 Exclusion diets 

With this method, foods that can cause allergies will be eliminated. Then reintroduce them into the diet and observe for a while. If the patient still has an allergy to the elimination diet, that is not the cause. 

3. Where is Allergy Test in HCMC? 

Allergies can occur for many different reasons, so finding the cause of the allergy is essential to help the patient get rid of it. In particular, the allergy screening test is the best way to help you find the cause of allergies today. 

Diag Laboratories offers an extensive range of screening tests to in-depth diagnostics. A team of experienced medical professionals will advise you on the appropriate test method. Standard testing procedures and modern testing equipment ensure accurate results in the shortest time. 

Currently, Diag Laboratories has a food allergy screening test panel (Egg white, milk, fish, wheat, peanut, soy) (fx5). This panel is an essential allergy screening package for people with a family history of allergies and food allergies. For more information on testing prices for 60 allergens or other test packages at Diag Laboratories, don’t hesitate to contact the hotline 19001717 for detailed advice. 

See test prices here:  ​https://www.diag.vn/danh-muc-xet-nghiem 

The site cannot and does not contain medical advice. The medical information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.