RAST Tests

[cocococo]

Our 4yo DS is due to have RAST tests done in the next few weeks and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long they take and whether they numb the area first? Also when you get the results back?
DS screamed Dr Lacks surgery down last week having his annual skin prick tests ( he's still positive to peanut, egg, dog, cat and various tree/grasses The last two times he was tested he was upset but sat quietly and it wasnt too bad. This time he screamed and screamed and DH and I had to restrain him, the nurse kicked the door shut with her foot as the waiting room went very quiet as all the other children could hear him. We gave up on half the airborne tests as he was becoming really traumatised.
I'm really not looking forward to taking him for the RAST tests but Dr Lack was keen to get them done asap so that when he has RAST and skin prick tests done again this time next year he can measure any changes more accurately.
Would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has been through it.

I had RAST tests done on myself last month. They just took lots and lots of vials of blood and sent them off. I supposed it's better than the prick tests because they only prick you once, but I'm surprised that your 4 yo found the prick test so painful. I barely even felt them.

What do they test for?

food allergies in my case.

How many vials and how long did it take SofiaAmes if you dont mind me asking? I dont know why he over-reacted this time. He was upset but calm the last two times, this time he just lost it. I'm really dreading going back but need to try to stay calm and encouraging or he'll feel the tension!

I think they took 4 or 6 vials. It's not painful, but a bit tedious (especially for a 4 yo). I would bring a very large lolly or something similar that he likes, to distract him during the blood taking process.

I don't actually remember how much blood they took but I didn't think it was as much as sofiaames - just one or two. Guess it depends on how many things they want to test for. Also we were very fortunate to go to a clinic where they have a video playing to distract the child and we were watching that rather than the needle . They have what they call "magic cream" which is a local anaesthetic or a spray - they use the cream on the more sensitive kids, like mine. Didn't help a lot. Took weeks to get the results but again I don't remember exactly how many. Our gp blood test took about 5/6 weeks (and I had to chase it several times) but I think the hospital ones were a bit quicker.

We always give a present for being brave, even if they've screamed. Also if they react to the tests it does irritate so putting antihistamine cream on afterwards (and telling the child you'll do it) may help. Although the clinics have cream available we've never had it offered, you either ask for it or take your own.

Thanks for that. I've phoned to check and 'magic cream' is on offer which is great! DS got some nice books for his skin prick ordeal I think I'll let him chose something himself for the blood test.

Good luck cocococo. My one year old had his first RAST test recently and I was really nervous. But it was fine. I took someone with me to amuse my other child and lots of distractions, but it was all over before we knew it. They used a tiny needle - known as a butterfly - which is SO thin you hardly feel it. They attach the vials (about five in our case) on to the end of that, but once the butterfly is in changing the vials is painless. The only time my son cried was as they took it out as I think she scratched him a bit but it didn't last long. No brusing ata ll afterwards. Do ask for butterfly, they should have them but may not automatically use them. Cost I expect. I can appreciate your son is older so more aware. Perhaps distract him by focussing on the vials filling up and spinning round on the machine they use to keep the blood moving - that's if you're not squeemish! My three year old was fascinated by it, although it was happening to him this time.

Hope this helps.

PS Results took AGES. About three or four weeks. We were told they were 'sent to Scotland' - we live in London! Good luck.

Forgot to say, we opted against the magic cream as my GP was unhappy about my little one using it. But, I have used it before for my other son. I;m not sure though if it actually creates more of a fuss for them or not.... In my experience it's not the pain but the psycological affects that upset most. So a difficult decision...

thanks mamaoftwo. Why was your GP against using the magic cream? Just curious!

cocococ it was the antihistamine cream that you have to ask for/take . At the clinic we visit they do offer spray to everyone but only offer the anaesthetic cream to the most sensitive. I'd assumed that was the cost but maybe there is another reason for it.

just had a google to see if I could find out more about the cream and found this webpage that suggests giving them something sweet might help!

www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/chd/0313/0313_I8.jsp

This page comments about possible harm from the creams. Don't have time to look up all the medical terminology but the level of reaction was not that great and it was about heel pricks, which are performed on newborns where the risk is likely to be higher.

www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/chd/0313/0313_I5.jsp#harms

If I'd read about that before the cream was offered I guess I might have given them something sweet to suck on instead. Still we didn't have any problems with the cream, we didn't see anyone else having a problem and no-one has ever mentioned it to me.

If you've got, or can borrow, a portable DVD player watching a cartoon is a good distraction.

Thanks tatt. What a horrible bit of research to have to do. I'm a bit squeamish, can you tell!