What to expect for blood/allergy test

[Rosey8]

Taking 3 yr old daughter for testing as she has had problems with bleeding bottom for many months. Might be fissure but could also be gut problem.

Anyone able to explain how exactly this testing is going to happen with a reluctant squirmy girl& anxious mum!?

If it just the blood tests she is having then it's pretty much as you'd expect. They either put the numbing cream on for 20 mins beforehand or they use the numbing spray just before they do the test. When my DS has the tests, they usually take blood from the back of his hand but they have once taken from the crook of his arm I think. The numbing cream does numb the area better but sadly aggravates DS's eczema so we go for the spray, not quite as effective but doesn't bring him out in an itchy rash! They sit him on my lap with one arm around me, his head turned into my chest and his other arm out for the nurse to do the test. It really isn't that bad. You'll probably be more worked up about it than she will!

If your DD is having skin prick tests, then they will very gently prick the skin with specific allergens (they don't use needles, it's far less invasive than that and my DS barely felt it). They then wait 20-30 mins before measuring the size of the wheal (like a big hive) produced for each allergen compared to the 'control' skin prick which is done without any allergens. Basically, the bigger the wheal, the more likely it is that the person is allergic to the specific substance. However, there is no 'definitive' test for allergies, they are all only tools to help the doctors decide the likelihood of an allergy. They also can't tell you how severe an allergic reaction may or may not be unfortunately.

Good luck!

Thank you for that, feel more prepared now. Obviously I'm more concerned about what's causing all this rather than the testing but its still a worry!
I see you are 'freefrom'. we have been dairy and soya free for the little one for few weeks now but really don't think it's made any difference so the allergy thing might just be misleading at moment. Have to rule things out methodically tho I guess!

Will post back later - thanks again xx

Hi
Went well today apart from a slight reaction to the numbing cream, was very proud of her.
Still no idea what's causing bleeding but dr still saying most likely anal fissure.
Have to stay dairy&soya free for another couple of weeks.
An ultrasound has been requested which I found slightly worrying but hoping it just another step in eliminating things
Really want things to improve - 8 months is a long time for a little one to have a problem like this & still no real reasons xx thanks for all your help x

Glad it went well. It's really hard not knowing what the problem is. Hope you get answers very soon x