Most patients who visit an Allergist expect testing will be performed.  However, to fully benefit from such testing, certain facts must be appreciated.

    The standard test performed is by the "prick" method, which is typically administered on the back.  This involves using a small plastic device with tiny sharp prongs or a specially designed pin.   Only the uppermost layer of skin is disturbed, therefore causing only slight discomfort.  Positive reactions produced in this way are usually meaningful, strongly suggesting allergic response.  A second method of testing involves the injection of allergy extract under the skin called "intradermal" testing.  These tests are more uncomfortable.  This method has a more restricted use since it is associated with a higher incidence of false positive reactions in individuals who do not have allergic conditions at all.  Food skin tests are not performed by this method, due to safety purposes.

    Interpreting the results of the skin tests require additional understanding of our immune system.  Allergies that develop in youth may totally resolve by adulthood, yet the skin test may remain positive until later in life.  For example, while positive skin tests to inhaled substances most closely correlate with a true allergic condition, positive food skin tests correlate with allergy only 50% of the time.

    So, if you seem to be intolerant to certain environments and food stuffs, yet have negative skin tests, what's the problem?   The answer usually lies in non-allergic food irritation and infection.   Non-allergic food intolerance is common and may worsen with age, due to alterations in the complex digestive processes.

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