These tests help identify if a child is sensitive to an allergen. However, they are not always reliable for confirming whether a child has outgrown an allergy.

Note: Skin prick tests are not available for all allergens.

An OFC is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. It is typically done in a hospital, where medical staff can safely monitor for reactions.

It may be used to determine whether your child:

• reacts to a food after a positive blood or skin test
• will react when the cause of previous symptoms is unclear
• can tolerate a food when it is prepared differently (e.g. raw vs baked)
• has outgrown a diagnosed allergy.

Allergic conditions such as FPIES, FPIAP, FPE, Coeliac disease, EoE, and atopic dermatitis may require more specialised tests, including:

• endoscopy or colonoscopy: a camera is inserted through the mouth or rectum to check for signs of damage in the digestive system
• biopsy: a small tissue sample is taken and tested for allergic reactions or damage.

Some alternative tests marketed for allergy diagnosis are not backed by scientific evidence.

These include:

• cytotoxic food testing
• kinesiology
• electrodermal testing
• pulse testing
• reflexology
• hair analysis.

Using unproven tests can lead to:

• incorrect diagnosis
• inappropriate treatment
• unnecessary food avoidance.

Avoiding certain foods without medical advice can result in nutritional deficiencies and affect your child’s growth and development.