Blood test may predict severity of food allergy

Study finds test as accurate as 'food challenge'

NEW YORK – Early research suggests a new blood test may someday be able to safely predict the severity of food allergies.

Right now, patients typically undergo an "oral food challenge" which involves consuming the problem food under a doctor's supervision.  But that test itself can trigger a severe reaction.

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A study led by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital and published in "The Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology" showed a new blood test was as accurate as oral testing at predicting the severity of a food allergy.

The blood test measures the basophil immune cell, a type of immune cell activated by exposure to a food.   The test is called the Basophil Activation Test or BAT test. The foods tested in the study were peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame.

Only a small blood sample is needed for the BAT test, and it provides quick results.

While the BAT test is promising, it's still only approved for research purposes.

To learn more about the study, click here.