What is the Most Accurate Way to Test for Food Allergies?
For families asking about the most accurate food allergy test, NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFA) leads with the Basophil Activation Test (BAT)—a precision blood test offered exclusively by NYFA in New York State. BAT separates true clinical allergy from sensitization and often reduces the need for oral challenges. When results warrant, a supervised Oral Food Challenge (OFC) confirms tolerance or allergy.
Guided by Dr. Atul Shah, our pathway combines expert history with targeted IgE/Component testing and BAT to deliver clarity and safety.
Basophil Activation Test (BAT): The Most Accurate First Step
BAT evaluates how basophils activate in response to specific foods, distinguishing true allergy from sensitization. Clear BAT results often minimize OFCs and speed decisions about safe food expansion or treatment. NYFA is New York’s only practice offering BAT in a CLIA/DOH-approved laboratory.
Higher Diagnostic Confidence
Clarifies equivocal IgE/component results and guides safer next steps earlier in the process.
Fewer Unnecessary Challenges
BAT clarity lets us reserve OFC for when it is truly indicated.
Supports Treatment
During FATE™ desensitization, BAT helps track immunologic change and personalize pacing.
Our Diagnostic Pathway: Accurate, Personalized, Safer
- Expert history and risk review with Dr. Shah
- Targeted bloodwork: IgE & Component testing
- Front-line BAT to clarify allergy vs. sensitization (details)
- Optional OFC when indicated by results & history (gold-standard)
- Personalized plan: avoidance, dietary expansion, or FATE™ desensitization
When We Use an Oral Food Challenge (OFC)
A supervised OFC remains the gold standard confirmation when indicated. Because BAT and components often clarify diagnosis, we can reserve OFC for the right scenarios—performed with stepwise dosing, continuous monitoring, and emergency readiness.
Why “Most Accurate” Matters
Over-calling allergy leads to years of unnecessary avoidance. Our BAT-led pathway delivers accuracy so patients can expand diets when safe, plan travel confidently, and target treatment where it helps most. Explore Why NYFA.
Results You Can Measure: The FATE™ Program
NYFA’s FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) program blends BAT-led diagnostics, personalized SLIT/OIT options, and careful use of biologics when indicated. Across 15,000+ patients and 30+ allergens, families report transformative changes, with desensitization rates around 92–95% under supervised care.
Quality-of-Life Gains
- Confidence in daily life; reduced food anxiety
- More participation at school, sports, and social events
- Greater travel flexibility and dining freedom
Technical Advantages
- BAT helps estimate thresholds and track change
- Component testing focuses each plan
- OFCs used selectively, in controlled settings
Learn more: FATE™ options • OIT explained • Infant prevention
About Dr. Atul Shah
Dr. Atul N. Shah, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI is a board-certified allergist, founder of NYFA, designer of the FATE™ system, and has led care for 15,000+ food-allergic families. His educational work has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, and News 12.
IgE vs IgG vs “Sensitivity” Panels
For classic food allergy (IgE-mediated), IgE tests and component diagnostics—interpreted by an allergist—are relevant. IgG panels and hair/bioresonance tests are not recommended for diagnosing allergy or sensitivity. If a test seems to contradict your history, BAT can add clarity without jumping straight to an OFC.
Who We Help
Infants & Children
Clarify early allergies and avoid over-restriction; build confidence for school and activities.
Teens
Support dining out, social events, team sports, and college transitions with clearer guidance.
Adults
Resolve long-standing uncertainty, expand safe choices, and improve travel freedom.
Why Choose NYFA?
The NYFA Advantage
- BAT offered exclusively in New York State
- BAT-led accuracy; OFC only when indicated
- Targeted IgE/Component testing
- Care for infants, children, teens & adults
- Led by Dr. Atul Shah
- Personalized treatment via FATE™
What You Gain
- Clear answer: true allergy vs. sensitization
- Fewer unnecessary restrictions
- Data-driven plan with safety at each step
- Pathways for OIT & other services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate food allergy test?
What 8 foods are 90% of allergies?
Is IgG or IgE more accurate?
What is the gold standard test for food allergies?
How reliable are “food intolerance/sensitivity” tests?
Do at-home allergy or sensitivity kits work?
Ready for Clarity?
Book a BAT-led evaluation and get the most accurate path forward.