Oral Food Challenge
An oral food challenge is done in our office under the supervision of Dr. Malik, our food allergy specialist. The test is recommended for patients who are at low risk for a severe reaction but who may have tested positive for a food allergy through a skin test or a blood test. In some cases, an oral food challenge is done to see if a patient has outgrown their food allergy.
A patient who “passes” the oral food challenge is able to complete the test without any allergic reaction and is considered to have a food sensitivity not a true food allergy. A patient who “fails” the oral food challenge and has a positive skin and/or blood test is diagnosed with a true food allergy and is a good candidate for oral immunotherapy (OIT).
How the oral food challenge works
The oral food challenge takes about 2 hours to perform in our office. During the first half of the test, Dr. Malik gives you the food in question in 3 to 4 incremental doses 15 minutes apart, observing you for any signs of a reaction.
The measured doses gradually increase to test for any signs of a reaction. The second half of the test is spent under close supervision for any signs of an allergic response. If a reaction occurs at any point, the test is stopped.
Important notice: The oral food challenge is not without risk and must be done under the supervision of a trained clinician.
Please read these directions prior to your testing: Oral Food Challenge Instructions