What is it? A wide range of diagnostic tests that promise to disclose the substances that may be causing you allergy-related illness. These range from conventional scientific tests to highly esoteric systems.

Claims to help: Food allergies and sensitivities.

What’s the evidence? Allergy testing done by a doctor or clinic is an established way of determining if someone is allergic to a particular substance. The principle of these tests is direct skin contact with an extract of the substance in question. This well-researched procedure can lead to effective allergy treatment. However, some complementary therapies such as kinesiology, electrodermal testing and cytotoxic testing claim to detect allergies but have no evidence to support them. Allergies — the most common being wheat and dairy — are blamed for many conditions by a range of complementary therapists. There is no good evidence to support this multitude of allergies or the tests to "detect" them.

Research Evidence for conventional allergy testing: 4
RE for complementary allergy testing: 0
Research Quantity for conventional allergy testing: 4
RQ for complementary allergy testing: 0

PROFESSIONAL BODY

The British Society for Allergy, Environmental and Nutritional Medicine
Number of members: About 200
Training/qualifications: Members must be qualified doctors or dentists and there are additional assessments required before joining the register — but not the practitioner list. Ask about the testing methods they use.
Complaints procedure? Yes. The relevant General Medical Council and General Dental Council complaints procedures also apply.
Code of ethics? Yes
Contact PO Box 7, Knighton, Powys LD7 1WT; 01547 550380; www.jnem.demon.co.uk
To find a member: Contact the association

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