Manchester scientists and experts in Sweden have finally debunked the peanut allergy myth. They have developed a blood test which is much more accurate than current testing methods, and have cited that peanut allergies have probably been overestimated.

The team also hopes to work to further diversify the peanut test so the severity of the allergic reaction whether, it is mild or catastrophic, can be known, thereby enabling parents to seek the appropriate advice.

The test detects antibodies to the peanut protein RH2 and reveals 95 per cent accuracy in diagnosing peanut allergy, revealed the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Doctors tested 1,000 eight-year-olds from Manchester using the normal skin and blood peanut tests and 110 had a reaction. The striking evidence is that 80 per cent of the children who were previously thought to have an allergy test did not suffer a reaction to the peanuts.

Prof Custovic said relying only on the current tests means "many patients will inappropriately be given the diagnosis".

Professor Adnan Custovic led the research team said, "The fear of possible reaction markedly reduces the quality of life among peanut-allergic patients and their families. However, avoiding peanuts only makes sense if a child is really allergic".