How Reliable Are Commercial Allergy Tests?

Sethi, Tanmeet; Kemeny, David M.; Tobin, Stuart; Lessof, M. H.; Lambourn, E.; Bradley, Amanda

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(87)91922-2

Cited by 35 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…When hair from nine subjects with fish allergy and nine control subjects was sent blind to three hair analysis laboratories, widely discordant and inconsistent results were obtained. 83 Therapeutic advice in naturopathy covers hydrotherapy, sunlight, diet, fresh air, relaxation, and exercise. '6 Nothing more than tradition and anecdote support the use of these approches and no clear guidelines for their use are given.…”

Section: Naturopathymentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative and complementary medicine for asthma.

Lane¹,

Lane²

1991

Thorax

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Section: Naturopathymentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative and complementary medicine for asthma.

Lane¹,

Lane²

1991

Thorax

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“…It has been claimed that it is possible to diagnose allergies/intolerances by analysing the hair content of metals and micronutrients. There is one controlled trial showing that the results of the test are completely random and that the variability among different operators and laboratories approximates 100% [91]. Iridology was proven to be completely unreliable and not supported by scientific evaluations as well [92].…”

Section: Complementary/alternative Diagnostic Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment and diagnosis of asthma and allergic diseases

Passalacqua

Compalati

Schiappoli³

et al. 2005

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis

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The use of Complementary/Alternative Medicines (CAM) is largely diffused and constantly increasing, especially in the field of allergic diseases and asthma. Homeopathy, acupuncture and phytotherapy are the most frequently utilised treatments, whereas complementary diagnostic techniques are mainly used in the field of food allergy- intolerance. Looking at the literature, the majority of clinical trials with CAMS are of low methodological quality, thus difficult to interpret. There are very few studies performed in a rigorously controlled fashion, and those studies provided inconclusive results. In asthma, none of the CAM have thus far been proved more effective than placebo or equally effective as standard treatments. Some herbal products, containing active principles, have displayed some clinical effect, but the herbal remedies are usually not standardised and not quantified, thus carry the risk of toxic effects or interactions. None of the alternative diagnostic techniques (electrodermal testing, kinesiology, leukocytotoxic test, iridology, hair analysis) have been proved able to distinguish between healthy and allergic subjects or to diagnose sensitizations. Therefore these tests must not be used, since they can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnosis and therapy.

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“…There is one controlled trial showing that the results of the test are completely random and that the variability among different operators and laboratories approximates 100% [107]. Iridology was proven to be completely unreliable and not supported by scientific evaluations [108].…”

Section: Other Testsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary/alternative medicines in allergic disease

Passalacqua¹

2005

Expert Review of Clinical Immunology

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Complementary/alternative medicines is a generic term that encompasses a variety of approaches, including homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy and numerous holistic or behavioral techniques. Complementary/alternative medicines are widely used in a number of conditions, including asthma and rhinitis. The medical literature on complementary/alternative medicines is impressive, but there are few clinical studies conducted with an appropriate methodology, and their results are negative or conflicting. In general, the results are insufficient to provide recommendations for the use of complementary/alternative medicines in clinical practice. Regarding diagnostic techniques, none have demonstrated the capability of distinguishing between healthy and allergic subjects and none are able to identify sensitizations.

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How Reliable Are Commercial Allergy Tests?

Cited by 35 publications

References 2 publications

Alternative and complementary medicine for asthma.

Alternative and complementary medicine for asthma.

Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment and diagnosis of asthma and allergic diseases

Complementary/alternative medicines in allergic disease

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