IgE-related examination in food allergy with focus on allergen components.

Molecular allergology is a breakthrough science that enables the quantification of IgE antibodies against individual allergen protein components at the molecular level. The diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic disorders is based on the clinical history and on sensitization demonstrated through an allergy test. Identifying whether the sensitization is primary (species specific) or due to cross-reactivity with proteins with similar protein structures helps the clinician to judge the risk of allergic reaction. This is possible today because allergen component tests for food allergy are now available for clinicians to use in everyday practice.