Peanut Allergy Diagnosis: Current Practices, Emerging Technologies, and Future Directions

Peanut allergy presents a significant and growing public health concern, marked by its increasing prevalence and potential for severe allergic reactions. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as skin prick testing and serum IgE assays, serve as cornerstone approaches but often fall short in specificity, sensitivity, and risk stratification. This has driven the development of innovative diagnostic technologies, including component-resolved diagnostics, basophil activation tests, bead-based epitope assays, molecular diagnostics, and artificial intelligence applications. These advancements promise greater diagnostic precision, improved patient stratification, and tailored management strategies. However, challenges such as high costs, accessibility issues, and the need for standardized protocols hinder their widespread clinical adoption. This review explores the evolution of peanut allergy diagnostics, comparing traditional and emerging methodologies, and discusses their clinical implications, limitations, and future directions. The integration of advanced technologies with established approaches holds the potential to revolutionize peanut allergy diagnosis and management, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.