What are the innovative diagnostic tools being developed for quicker allergy detection?

Medical science has made tremendous strides in developing innovative diagnostic tools for quicker and more precise allergy detection. Traditional allergy tests can be a bit slow and invasive, but newer methods are designed to increase speed and accuracy with lesser pain.

One significant development is the Molecular-based allergy (MA) diagnostics. This technique utilises allergen molecule's specific components instead of whole allergen extracts, enabling identification of specific allergens causing the allergic reaction. This method significantly reduces the risk of cross-reactivity, thus speeding up the diagnosis process and increasing its accuracy.

Microchip technology is another breakthrough in allergy detection. The test requires minimal blood and can analyze the response to hundreds of allergens at once. This technique has the potential to greatly reduce the time taken for allergy diagnosis.

Broadband Acousto-Optical Spectrometers, although in early stages of development, show promise. It uses a laser to detect allergens in the air, helping diagnose airborne allergies instantly, something particularly useful for those with severe asthma or other respiratory allergies.

Apart from these, new smartphone applications have been developed which track pollen forecast and allow allergic individuals to manage their condition proactively. While not diagnostic tools in the traditional sense, they significantly aid in allergy management.

Lastly, other innovative technologies under development include the usage of nano-biosensors and non-invasive skin tests, which could dramatically speed up diagnosis times while reducing discomfort from conventional testing methods.

All these advancements promise a future where allergy detection is quicker, more accurate and less invasive.