Challenge testing is primarily used to assess which type of allergies?

Challenge testing is primarily used to assess food allergies because it involves the careful administration of a suspected allergen in a controlled environment, often with gradual exposure to the food suspected of causing an allergic reaction. This method helps to determine if the patient actually has a food allergy by monitoring for any adverse reactions during the process.

In the context of food allergies, challenge testing provides critical information that can distinguish between true allergies and other responses, such as intolerances. It is most commonly performed in cases where patients have uncertain diagnoses from previous testing, such as skin prick tests or specific IgE tests, which may not always provide clear answers.

While challenge testing can also be applied in certain scenarios for other types of allergies, like drug allergies, it is predominantly recognized for its role and effectiveness in diagnosing food allergies. Seasonal, contact, and drug allergies often utilize different testing methods, such as skin testing or serum specific IgE tests, prior to clinical assessment.