What to expect with allergy testing?

[tiokiko]

DD1 (4.5y) has a suspected peanut allergy and has (at last) got an appointment to see consultant on Wednesday morning.

Any ideas on what to expect at the appointment? GP thought they would do blood test - is this standard now rather than sking/patch testing (not sure what it's called)?

Anything else I should be aware of or ask?

it all seems to depend on what hospital/consultant you see.

We have only ever had SPT skin prick tests

though I know others who have only ever had RAST blood tests

with skin prick test you need to avoid giving him any antihistamines for 48 hours before appointment, though I don't think that's necessary with RAST.

Has your son had a reaction to daughter had a reaction to peanuts?

lol sorry went back to change son to daughter and obv messed that up! must need my bed!

Yes, she has a reaction - says it makes her tongue feel 'scratchy' and she is quite distressed but no problems with swelling or breathing so not severe. Passes within 5 mins or so. Other nuts are fine. Actually she was fine with peanut butter when little so has got worse.

Maybe nothing will happen on Wed then as we haven't been told to avoid anything. Might give them a call today to find out.

really hope appointment goes well, but if tests come back positive, just ask for any help/advice you need.

Thanks both, that's interesting. I knew the peanuts aren't nuts but hadn't thought about other legumes. So far she is fine with them all though, also fine with groundnut oil in the past although I haven't used for a while.

Just back from hospital, SPT confirmed peanut allergy. Just told to treat any reaction with piriton and come back for follow-up test when DD is about 11. So fingers crossed she either grows out of it or if not that the reaction doesn't get any worse.

Thanks all for advice.