In this insightful interview, Simon Williams, CEO of Anaphylaxis UK, talks to Dr Helen Evans-Howells, a GP with a special interest in allergies, about the effectiveness of home allergy tests. Dr Evans-Howells explains that while many patients may come to her with results from a home allergy test, it is not a helpful tool in diagnosing allergies. She emphasises that taking a patient’s history is the most crucial part of determining if someone has allergies. She also explains that in the case of IgE allergies a positive test result doesn’t necessarily mean a person is allergic and a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t.
Dr Helen also notes that home allergy tests are particularly unreliable for people with eczema, especially young children, and that avoiding foods based solely on test results can actually increase the risk of developing allergies.
This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in allergies and the importance of accurate diagnosis.
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