My 18 month DS is getting allergy tested next week. Our ped. and GI dr. believe he has a milk protein and soy allergy and possibly dust or mold. Having never gone through this before I have no idea what to expect. Is the testing painful? How long does it take? Is it common to get false results? Part of me is looking forward to getting a better understanding of what's going on with him, but I'm fearful that the experience will be difficult on him and the results might not tell us too much. Thanks so much.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 07:10 am:

Are you doing a blood or prick test?

By Marcia on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 09:23 am:

I've had allergy tests done on myself for close to 40 years. My kids have also been tested. I had the typical skin prick test done until I was in my 20's, and had shots for most of that time. The testing was done by putting blocks of wood that have viles of allergens on your skin, either arm or back, and then they are pricked with a needle or tiny blade. It doesn't hurt, but it's so horribly itchy if you are allergic. One doctor explained to me that it isn't perfectly effective, because it's just testing your skin reaction to the allergen. Also, they don't do a lot of food testing that way.
The next person I went to did that testing, but he had so many things to choose from. I told him what I thought we were allergic to, and he made sure those things were included in the testing.
The last person I went to did electrodermal testing, and I found her to be the most effective. It was simple, pain free, and the results were amazing. I no longer take allergy shots, and my kids have been so much healthier since I ruled out the foods she told us to avoid. This is not her site, but it's one that I found that explains it. I haven't read the site, but I'm sure it will give a good explanation.
electrodermal allergy testing

By Jjb on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 08:10 pm:

Thank you for the information. It’s very helpful. DS had the blood test done when he was three months old and it came back negative. They were very certain due to his reaction to dairy and family history that he had at least a milk protein allergy and the test gave us a false negative (my older son who had few symptoms tested positive). Now that we think he also has a soy allergy and he’s 18 months old the GI dr. is sending us to the allergist who I assume will do the prick test. They’re trying to identify if he’s outgrown the allergy and if he’s allergic to other things as well. I wonder how that can test for food if it's only the reaction to skin. I wish I asked more questions at the last appointment- I had two of my three boys with me and they were not behaving too well. At the time I just wanted to leave before their behavior got worse.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 09:14 pm:

Connor just had the prick test done. My doctor says that it's a lot more accurate than the blood test. He reacted positively to dogs, which makes sense since he breaks out in hives when the dog licks him.

They tested all over his arms...
Here are my recommendations:
1. Bring his past blood test documents and their results. Tell the doc what you want tested (ie, the soy and everything else.)
2. Bring another person with you, if possible. I had to hold him down with one arm and I couldn't do it the second time since Connor is very strong.
3. Have him wear a short sleeve shirt so you don't have to "roll up" a long sleeve one.

It's a little painful, but not like the blood test. The blood test was more painful but took less time. The skin test was less painful but took longer to do all the 8 pricks on each arm.

Poor guy...

Hope this helps???

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 10:18 pm:

I had the prick test done, as an adult, but don't really remember much about it! I'm allergic to dust and mold.

They stuck something up my nose and I remember that being a little more uncomfortable.

By Jjb on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 05:26 pm:

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. I feel much more prepared.