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Unproven Diagnostic Tests

Some methods of allergy testing are considered controversial, since no definitive studies have shown that they are effective in diagnosing food allergies.  Here, we discuss some of the more common tests that have not been scientifically proven to give accurate results.  None of these tests is recommended for the diagnosis of food allergies, and those that involve the ingestion or injection of allergens may increase the risk of a reaction.  Please keep in mind that these are not necessarily the only tests that may be questionable.  If you have concerns or questions about any diagnostic method, please contact the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).  

Applied Kinesiology and NAET Testing
Kinesiological testing exposes you to a suspect food (either by having you hold it or by bringing it close to your body) and then measures changes in your muscle strength. Similarly, the NAET (short for Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Test) is based on the concept that a food can weaken your body by blocking your energy field. Your muscles are tested to determine whether or not you show signs of weakness after exposure to a particular food.  Acupuncture or acupressure is then used to “cure” your allergy. There is no scientific evidence to support these tests or the theories behind them.      

Body Chemical Analysis
This type of test analyzes a sample of your hair, body fluids, or tissue to diagnose a mineral deficiency or confirm the presence of toxic substances.  Either of these supposedly leads to food allergies or other diseases.  Again, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.  

Cytotoxic Testing
In this test, the white blood cells are extracted from a sample of your blood.  Then, samples of the white blood cells are applied to slides that contain dried extracts of suspect foods.  A technician views the slides under a microscope and analyzes them for changes that supposedly indicate whether you are allergic to any of those foods. AAAAI has concluded that there is no scientific basis for this test. 

ELISA/ACT
A sample of your blood is drawn and cultures of the white blood cells are analyzed for their reactions to up to 300 food allergens or other substances.  Studies have shown that this test is not effective in diagnosing food or other allergies.  Other questionable diagnostic methods that involve white blood cell analysis are the ALCAT and NuTron tests.

Electrodermal Diagnosis
This test uses a galvanometer (an instrument that detects and measures electric currents) to gauge your body’s resistance when you come in contact with a suspect food.  Increased resistance to the electric current is supposed to indicate that you are allergic to the food being tested. 

IgG Testing   
This test checks your blood for the presence of food-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.  Unlike IgE antibodies, which occur in abnormally large quantities in people with allergies, IgG antibodies are found in both allergic and non-allergic people.  Experts believe that the production of IgG antibodies is a normal response to eating food and that this test is not helpful in diagnosing a food allergy.

Provocation and Neutralization        
These tests involve injecting a solution containing a suspect food under your skin or administering it sublingually (as drops under your tongue).  Increasing amounts are given in an effort to provoke a reaction.  When symptoms appear, you are given increasingly weaker doses of the solution until your symptoms disappear.  The last and weakest dose, which supposedly eliminates your symptoms, is called the “neutralizing dose.” This solution may then be provided as a treatment for your food allergy.  Provocation tests are not only ineffective, but increase the risk of an allergic reaction.  There is no scientific proof that neutralization can prevent or control a reaction.

Pulse Testing
This test is based on the notion that, if you are allergic to a particular food, your pulse (the rate of your heartbeat) will go up after you eat that food.  There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.