Allergy - Sweet Potato Test

Many people are susceptible to food allergies and there are hundreds of food allergens that need to be tested. Although not common, sweet potato is one of the identified food allergens that may cause hypersensitivity on consumption. To protect the body from this perceived threat, or allergen, the immune system of an allergic person produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is conducted to check if the person is allergic to a particular allergen, in this case, sweet potato. The testing is done either using the skin prick method (in vivo) or blood sample method (in vitro)

No prior preparation is required, but it is advisable that the patient inform the practitioner about the following prior to the testing: Your medical history Known and existing allergies List of medications that have been consumed. History of the allergic reaction specific to the allergen being tested, if known (duration of the onset, severity of the allergic reaction and type of reaction) Based on this history, the practitioner may advice you about any diet restrictions, and usage of medications that need to be followed. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to your forearm on the day of testing.

This test helps in confirming or eliminating the presence of an allergy to sweet potato. It will also indicate if further tests need to be conducted to gauge the severity of the reaction. Based on the test results, existing symptoms, history of the patients and any other tests conducted, the doctor will interpret the results and suggest further course of action, which may including avoiding sweet potato from the regular diet and tests for allergens which belong to similar class as sweet potatoes.

Skin Prick Method: In this method, the allergen is introduced in a small quantity into the skin of the patient (in the forearm) by using the prick method along with positive control (histamine) and negative control (saline). The wheel and flare measurement of more than 3 mm indicates the presence of an allergic reaction. Blood Sample Method: A blood sample is drawn from the vein from the forearm after the skin surface is cleaned with antiseptic. The blood sample collected is then used to measure specific IgE in the serum to sweet potato. Elevated levels of specific IgE antibodies may mean the presence of allergy.