Which type of test would you use to confirm the presence of a specific allergen in food?

Qualitative testing is designed to determine the presence or absence of a specific substance, such as an allergen, in a sample. In the context of food testing, this method is particularly useful because it helps identify whether a particular allergen is present without measuring the exact amount. This is crucial in food safety and allergen management, where knowing the presence of allergens can guide further actions regarding food consumption or production.

Quantitative testing, on the other hand, focuses on measuring the amount of a specific substance. Although this is important in many scenarios, for confirming the presence of an allergen, the presence itself is the primary concern, rather than the specific quantity.

Diagnosis testing typically refers to tests used in the medical field to diagnose conditions in individuals rather than tests for detecting allergens in food products.

Functionality testing involves assessing how a food ingredient behaves in a food system, such as its texture or flavor characteristics. This type of testing does not relate to confirming the presence of allergens but rather focuses on the performance of ingredients.

So, in scenarios where confirming the presence of an allergen is critical for safety, qualitative testing is the appropriate choice.