[Diagnostic procedures in abnormal reactions to foods and food additives].
Allergic and intolerance reactions to food and food additives may occur as a result of antibody-mediated or non-immunological mechanisms. Histories of adverse reactions to food must be confirmed and clarified by means of in-vivo and in-vitro tests. Offending substances and clinical manifestations are enumerated. The predictive value and the diagnostic or the threshold sensitivity in provocation tests are demonstrated. There are useful laboratory techniques as the detection of specific antibodies or the estimation of involved mediators. Further procedures for the identification and confirmation of the diagnosis of adverse reactions to food and food additives are suggested.