Allergy Challenges

I am curious as to why your son would need further testing Trish,since you already know that he has a peanut allergy. The challange test is where food is prepared ,and only the one who prepared the food, would know what was in it. It is the most accurate for testing for food allergies. The food challange food would prbably not be used, because you already have a confimed diagnosis from you DR. right?. The scrath test is not 100% accurate. Has your son had a RAST test done (blood test)? You should also speak with your DR. about this.
Best of luck Trish

I'm also curious as to who told you to get your child re-tested. My daughter had an oral peanut challenge prior to entering kindergarten because she had no clear-cut history of a reaction and the only test showing the allergies was a skin prick test (which can be unreliable). The oral peanut challenge, which is done under close medical supervision, proved beyond a doubt that she is indeed allergic to peanuts. The results of this test empowered me to march into the school and demand precautions for my daughter. I didn't feel confident on just the basis of the skin prick test to make the school and other parents jump through so many hoops for the sake of my daughter. If you're the type of parent who can't stand seeing your child get an injection, the oral challenge test may not be for you (our test ended with two injections of epinephrine), but it does provide absolute answers for both you AND your child. My daughter left the test saying, "I NEVER want to eat peanut butter again in my life!!" If your child has a clear history of reactions, many allergists will not do the oral challenge test--a clear history of reactions proves the allergy and the allergy is not likely to be outgrown. Best wishes to you and your child.

[This message has been edited by Deb (edited January 24, 1999).]

I personally would question why an oral challenge would be given. Our allergist would do a CAP RAST blood test to measure the level of the allergen in the blood. If the level was extremely low or no sensitivity was shown, then, an oral challenge in the hospital would be performed. Also, the age of the child would be considered to avoid reintroducing an allergen at a young age which may resensitize the child.

An oral challenge for peanuts should only be carried out in a hospital setting - Not all doctors are up to date on this precaution. My pediatrician said he could retest my son in his office, my allergist cringed when I told her of that statement.

Again, talk to a qualified, up to date food allergist about the CAP RAST Test before any other steps are taken!

Keep in mind that CAP RAST testing is also rife with false positives. An oral challenge done in the proper medical setting gives absolute answers, if no prior history of reactions exists.

I am stuned, I would never allow a test that involved giving my child peanut butter, in other form than a scratch test, or blood test, he would be dead, never, never. I suggest you see a specialist in allergies, not just a pediatriacian, I would rather my child have a pin prick that an epi injection or 2, as for the school problems, talk honestly with the teacher, the principal, and the school administrator, let them know the type of allergy they are dealing with, they most likely have heard of this allergy, let the teacher know about what and how an epi-pen is, let the whole class know, (including parents) what the risks are, and ask that no peanuts are allowed in the class room, I have had 2 diffrent approches to the nut allergy, in kindergarten the child with the nut product was sent to the office, and ate it's snack there, in grades 1 and 2, the child with the nut product was sent into the hall way to eat their snack or lunch. I would prefer no nuts be brang at all, and most parents know this and don't but there are a few who don't get it, or why there child has to be singled out, but for the most part the school is very understanding about the issue.
Cathy

I am a special education teacher who also has a son with peanut and egg allergies. Under federal law your school must comply and make accommodations for your child. Contact your school principal and psychologist and request a medical 504 plan be completed. Hope this helps. We have peanut free zones and "buddy" lunch tables. Room moms plan parties with this is mind. It is helpful to have safe snacks in the classroom just in case. I have found it helpful if the parent provides a safe snack list. Best of luck!