• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Why Skin Testing Generally Isn't Effective

    Posted On Apr 11, 2011 · Updated On Apr 11, 2011

    Why Skin Testing Generally Isn't Effective
    Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    For several decades skin testing has been the standard way to test for allergies.

    The potential allergen is injected under or scratched into the skin, and any resulting inflammation (also known as wheal) is measured. The size of the wheal supposedly determines whether or not an allergy is diagnosed.

    This technique leaves a lot to be desired because we don't inject food into our skin when we eat, nor do we necessarily get a red bump when we have a food allergy. This is also a subjective test. There is no scientific standard for the amount of swelling required for a positive result.

    Equally important, this test can measure only an IgE antibody reaction. And even so, it often is negative, missing elevated IgE levels that are evident with a blood test. The IgG antibody is not tested for at all.

    Many people are incorrectly told after skin testing that they do not have a particular food allergy. Others seem to react to everything that is tested. Skin testing is probably relevant only for life threatening (anaphylactic) types of food allergies, but in these cases the patient often already knows that he or she has the food allergy.

    A more accurate way to detect most food allergies is through ELISA (ee-LIE-za) testing of the blood. This test measures the actual amount of both IgE and IgG in the blood. ELISA stands for Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, a big fancy phrase for a laboratory procedure in which antibodies are detected and measured.

    This very specialized procedure is performed only by doctors trained in recognizing and treating food allergies. It is run only by specialized labs equipped to handle such sophisticated testing.

    At the IBS Treatment Center we have physicians who are expert at treating IBS, and we use state-of-the-art testing to help us learn how best to treat you. You will be given a copy of your test results, and extensive counseling on how to understand your results and successfully eliminate your IBS.

    More information at IBSTreatmentCenter.com

    Article Courtesy:  Dr. Stephen Wangen

    You May Also Like

    • What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    • Gluten-Free Menus at In-N-Out Burger, Five Guys and Shake Shack
      Gluten-Free Menus at In-N-Out Burger, Five Guys and Shake…
    • Gluten Free Easter Candy List
      Gluten Free Easter Candy List
    « Bionaturae- Gluten Free Food
    What? There’s gluten in college? »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    how to cook duck breast: perfectly cooked duck breast on salad

    How To Cook Duck Breast: Tea Brined Duck Breast

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale | Easter Dove Bread

    White Chocolate Rocky Road colorful

    White Chocolate Rocky Road | Gorgeous + Easy Treat!

    Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce recipe

    How to Cook Lamb Chops in The Oven: Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved