Blood test may replace risky food challenges for kids with allergies

This study looked at 140 children with peanut or egg allergies to see if a blood test called the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) could accurately diagnose their allergies. Currently, the best way to diagnose food allergies is through an oral food challenge, where children eat increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision—a process that can cause severe allergic reactions. The BAT measures how immune cells react to allergens in a lab, which is much safer. If the BAT proves reliable, it could replace many risky food challenges and make allergy diagnosis easier for children.