Oral Food Challenge

Preparation and Information

A food challenge usually takes 2-6 hours to perform, 2-3 hours on average, but may take significantly longer depending on individual circumstances. Once the challenge is underway you will be required to stay in the exam room.  You may wish to bring an activity with you, as well as water to drink.

These appointments are usually scheduled as the first AM appointment. As there is a specific time slot dedicated to your challenge please be on time for the visit.  If the start is delayed for any reason the visit may need to be rescheduled.

The challenge is best performed on an empty stomach.  A light meal may be eaten if necessary, at least one hour prior to the visit.  ½ usual breakfast for example.

You may need to bring the food for which the challenge is being conducted to the visit.  Check with us prior to the challenge to determine if this is necessary, and how the food should be prepared (cooked, raw, canned, etc.)  Clams, lobster, crab, etc. need to be deshelled. The food should not be mixed with other foods, spices, sauces, etc.  We may ask you to bring a “masking” food, especially with younger children, to reduce taste aversion (mashed potatoes, apple sauce, yogurt).  A masking food must be a food that is currently tolerated.

Please discontinue all antihistamines prior to visit.  Seven (7) days before the challenge for Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, Xyzal and their generics.  Three days (72 hrs.) prior for Benadryl (diphenhydramine). If you are not sure if a medication is an antihistamine, please check with us prior to administering.

The challenge may be deferred if there has been fever within 48-72 hours, symptoms present that may mimic allergy symptoms such as an upper respiratory infection or hives or rashes, or active asthma.  Please call us if any of these circumstances are present.

If you have an auto-injectable epinephrine device, please bring it to the visit.