In hospital allergy testing - what happens

[longtompot]

My ED (28) is due to go back to hospital to have some more allergy tests done. She went a couple of years ago and found out some other things she is allergic to, but they didn't test dairy or nuts, particularly peanuts.
She hasn't had any dairy for at least 8 years. Prior to stopping it she would have mouth ulcers and hives on the areas of her feet which are affected by a pain condition she has, CRPS. Initially she just ate lactose free products but it wasn't until she gave it up completely that the ulcers and hives stopped completely.
She stopped eating peanuts when she got the tingling in her mouth and tightness in her throat after eating it, and didn't want to risk a full on anaphylaxis.
Anyway, she is due to go back to the hospital next month and they have asked her to bring some peanut butter and some milk and she is understandably anxious about having to eat either product, especially the dairy and especially doesn't want to have to deal with any hives on the extremely painful areas of her feet, as they make the pain even worse.
Does anyone know if they will make her eat these items, and just what can they offer to help with any reactions? I am scared that she will have a full allergic reaction

Hi, there are two types of testing that they might do. Skin prick tests which involves putting some of the potential allergen on the skin and pricking though it with a small lance (not painful). Or a food allergy oral challenge in which they will want her to eat some of the allergen starting with very small amounts and after a period (15 mins IIRC) then upping the amount.

what have they said about whether to eat or not before the appointment? If they’ve to be in at 9 am having fasted for a couple of hours beforehand then it’ll be the oral challenge.

they may put a cannula in in case of reactions so they can treat with epinephrine.

have been through both types of testing loads of times with my kids so any questions just ask.

Is she going in for testing or for a food challenge? My son has allergies to sesame and peanuts - when he had testing for both they pricked his skin and put the allergen on him to see if there was a reaction. There’s also the blood tests that are more comprehensive (I think) but results take longer. We’re awaiting testing for peas and will probably opt for the blood tests this time.

My son has had two food challenges for the sesame. When they did this they started by doing his observations of his oxygen, blood pressure and temperature and then rubbing the sesame on his skin, the plan was to rub on his lips, then let him lick/eat a small bit in 20 minute intervals whilst they did his observations each time. They planned on him eating more during each section. He didn’t get past the first stage because he was still allergic and came out in hives from rubbing it on his skin.

It would be best to phone the hospital to ask what the plan is. I did this before the appointment and they talking me through all the stages. It may be different to what we’ve experienced but your hospital will be able to tell you the plan.

Re-reading her appointment letter it appears it's just the skin prick test. They wouldn't surprise her with the oral testing would they?
She is going in for allergy testing and I'm hoping this will show that she needs an epi pen, something she's not got since all this started.

Speaking of when this all started, the first GP she spoke to about having testing said that her symptoms were not signs of an allergy, despite the NHS website saying they all were. Anyway, he referred her to a hospital outside of our area that has a testing dept and they have been great, when they get back to you which has been a challenge.

No they won’t surprise you with an oral challenge. You have to do it fasted and be prepared to be in hospital for the whole day.

I am surprised that they’re asking you to bring the foodstuffs to be tested with though. They’ve usually got them prepared already for skin prick testing.