Researchers at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the University of Melbourne have been looking for a better way to diagnose peanut allergy. Currently, the best method is through an oral food challenge in a medical setting. This is the practice whereby someone with a suspected food allergy eats the food to see if there is a reaction. Not only is this a costly and lengthy process, it can also lead to an anaphylactic reaction.
This study found that measuring Ara h 2, which is the dominant peanut allergen detected in 90% to 100% of people with peanut allergy, appears to provide a higher diagnostic accuracy for peanut allergy. This two-step blood test would provide clearer results in a more cost-effective and convenient way. It would also reduce the number of oral food challenges and could minimize the over-diagnosis of peanut allergy.
1 comment:
My son didn't need to eat peanuts to know he was allergic. my daughter accidental touched his face after having eaten a pb&j and he broke out in immediate hives. A few months later it happened again except with pb crackers. The pediatricians office did a blood test and found he was highly allergic to peanuts. i don't even want to know his reaction if he ingests it...but we carry an epi pen just in case.
Post a Comment