Diagnostics of peanut allergy- part I

The correct determination of the diagnosis of peanut allergy is important to protect the patient from the the oc-currence of an anaphylactic reaction, as well as avoiding an unnecessary elimination diet. The basis of diagnosis of peanut allergy is a history focused on symptoms associated with the consumption of these products. Another part of the diagnosis is the assessment of sensitization through the evaluation of skin prick test and/or sIgE with peanut extract. It is useful to know the cutoff points to decide whether to qualify a child for an oral food challenge by assess-ing the positive and negative predictive value of the result. A valuable complement to the diagnosis of peanut allergy is component-resolved diagnostics. Studies indicate that component-resolved diagnostics is superior to skin prick test and sIgE in the diagnosis of peanut allergy. It is currently recognized that sensitization to Ara h 2 is the factor best identifying patients with peanut allergy. Definitive establishment of the diagnosis of peanut allergy requires a combined analysis of patients' history and sensitization status and possible qualification for an oral food challenge.