Which test would be most appropriate to confirm severe food allergies?

Serum IgE tests are specifically designed to measure the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to particular allergens, including food substances. In the context of severe food allergies, these tests can provide quantitative data indicating the presence of specific IgE antibodies that correlate with allergic reactions.

This method is valuable for confirming severe food allergies because it directly assesses the immune system's response to specific allergens. High levels of IgE against a particular food indicate a potential allergic reaction, and this can help in both diagnosis and management of food allergies.

While skin prick testing is also a method to identify allergies by assessing the body's reaction to allergen exposure, it can yield false positives or negatives, particularly in cases of food allergies. Patch testing is commonly used for contact allergies rather than food allergies. An elimination diet, while effective for identifying food intolerances or allergies, is often a subsequent step after testing has indicated likely food sensitivities.

In summary, the serum IgE test is the most appropriate and reliable diagnostic tool for confirming severe food allergies due to its ability to measure the immune response directly and its established role in allergy diagnosis.