Calculator developed to predict food allergy in children within seconds

Researchers at University College Cork have developed an online calculator that can predict, within seconds, the presence of three major food allergies in children. Having devised a calculator to predict allergy in a diverse sample of Irish children, the researchers used a double-blind placebo-controlled study design on a data set of Canadian children who had undergone food challenge for peanut, egg and milk.

The calculator gives 96% accuracy, compared to current methods that are between 60-80% accurate. The researchers now plan to validate the calculator by using it in the clinic in consultation with parents.

First Published May 2011

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