Sensitivity and specificity of specific IgE, skin prick test and atopy patch test in examination of food allergy

Abstract

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the specificity and sensitivity of the skin prick tests (SPTs), specific IgE and atopy patch tests (APTs) in atopic dermatitis patients suffering from food allergy. A total of 301 patients were examined, complete dermatological and allergological examination was performed in all patients. The food allergy was confirmed to peanuts in 62 patients (20%), to egg in 16 patients (5%), to soy in 9 patients (3%), to wheat in 12 patients (4%) and to cow milk in 6 patients (2%). The specificity of SPT, specific IgE and APT is considered as good; the sensitivity of APT is low. The positive results in isolation cannot confirm the food allergy; however, together with other diagnostic methods, such as clinical history and open exposure test, these tests are valuable tool in examination of food allergy.