How to Test for Food Allergies: A Guide for Parents
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how do you test for food allergies?” — you’re not alone.
Food allergy testing can feel like a maze of acronyms, forms, and guesswork. But the truth is: testing is a powerful tool to help you understand what’s safe for your child, and what’s not.
Let’s walk through what to expect.
Step 1: Start With a Detailed History
Before any test, your child’s allergist will want a full picture:
What foods might be triggering reactions?
What were the symptoms?
How soon did they appear?
How often has it happened?
That’s why I always recommend bringing a Symptom Tracker to your first appointment.
Step 2: Common Types of Food Allergy Testing
Skin Prick Test (SPT):
A small amount of allergen is placed on the skin. A reaction (like a wheal or hive) suggests sensitivity.
Blood Test (IgE testing):
Measures the level of antibodies your child produces in response to allergens.
Oral Food Challenge (OFC):
This gold-standard test involves supervised exposure to the suspected allergen. Only done under close medical supervision.
Important Notes About Testing
A positive test ≠ an allergy. It shows sensitization, which needs to be interpreted in context.
Never try food challenges at home without medical clearance.
Allergy testing should always be done in collaboration with your medical provider.
Bring questions, a written symptom history, and your parent intuition to the table.
Need help knowing what to bring and ask? Grab my free checklist and tracker here.
Connect with me to go over more detailed information on this topic or take the Food Allergy Survival Course on your own time, in the comfort of your own home, to better understand your child’s diagnosis.
