Provocation-neutralization: a two-part study. Part I. The intracutaneous provocative food test: a multi-center...

This study investigated the clinical usefulness of the intracutaneous provocative-neutralization food test (IPFT). Thirty-seven patients were tested for five identical food allergies by eight physicians in different geographical locations. Throughout the study, comparison was made between the IPFT when interpreted by skin response (IPFT SK) and when interpreted by symptom provocation (IPFT PR). Double-blind IPFT results were compared with those of previously accomplished oral challenge food tests (OCFT). IPFT reliability was determined by a double-blind comparison of the initial IPFT, with two subsequent IPFTs performed 7 days apart. Correlation of the IPFT SK and IPFT PR with the OCFT provided validity coefficients of 0.78 and 0.61 respectively, both significant beyond the 0.01 level of confidence. Reliability of the IPFT SK and IPFT PR was shown to be 0.68 and 0.40, respectively. The IPFT SK was significant beyond the 0.01 level of confidence and the IPFT PR was significant beyond the 0.05 level of confidence.