<P> Challenge testing: Challenge testing is when small amounts of a suspected allergen are introduced to the body orally, through inhalation, or via other routes . Except for testing food and medication allergies, challenges are rarely performed . When this type of testing is chosen, it must be closely supervised by an allergist . </P> <P> Elimination / challenge tests: This testing method is used most often with foods or medicines . A patient with a suspected allergen is instructed to modify his diet to totally avoid that allergen for a set time . If the patient experiences significant improvement, he may then be "challenged" by reintroducing the allergen, to see if symptoms are reproduced . </P> <P> Unreliable tests: There are other types of allergy testing methods that are unreliable, including applied kinesiology (allergy testing through muscle relaxation), cytotoxicity testing, urine autoinjection, skin titration (Rinkel method), and provocative and neutralization (subcutaneous) testing or sublingual provocation . </P> <P> Before a diagnosis of allergic disease can be confirmed, other possible causes of the presenting symptoms should be considered . Vasomotor rhinitis, for example, is one of many illnesses that share symptoms with allergic rhinitis, underscoring the need for professional differential diagnosis . Once a diagnosis of asthma, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, or other allergic disease has been made, there are several methods for discovering the causative agent of that allergy . </P>

Allergies are a significant health problem and generally thought to be