Position paper on procedures in allergology. Asociación Colombiana de Alergia Asma e Inmunología (ACAAI)
Ocampo J.; Olaya M.; Vásquez E.; Morales E.; Betancur-Castro K.; Mopan J.; Ramírez R.; Serrano C.; Silva D.; Ramirez-Zuluaga L.F.; de Zubiria D.; Cherrez-Ojeda I.; Larco J.I.; Guidos-Fogelbach G.; Sánchez J. · Revista Alergia Mexico (2025) · DOI: 10.29262/ram.v72i4.1470
Resumen
Background: Allergic diseases affect approximately 25% of the global population. Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent unnecessary restrictions and to implement precision medicine tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Objective: This manual establishes clear guidelines for the main clinical allergy procedures, detailing their indications, diagnostic performance, and applicability in the Latin American context. Methods: The Colombian Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) conducted a thorough literature review to compile the most utilized clinical allergy procedures. We provide specific recommendations for each procedure, incorporating operational guidelines, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical indications. Furthermore, allergists from various Latin American countries reviewed this manual to ensure its regional applicability. Results: We formulated evidence-based and operationally feasible recommendations for the execution and interpretation of nine critical allergy procedures: 1) skin prick tests, 2) intradermal tests, 3) patch tests, 4) nasal provocation tests, 5) oral provocation tests, 6) provocation tests for inducible urticarias, 7) drug desensitization, 8) food tolerance induction, and 9) allergen immunotherapy. Our document was validated by allergists from Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru, confirming its relevance and applicability in their clinical practices. Conclusion: This position paper delivers a practical manual for executing and interpreting allergy procedures. Its implementation will enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision, ensuring a safe and effective approach to allergic disease management across Latin America.