Blood test

I'd get a new allergist! I'm currently looking for a new one.

The last time we did a blood test, they tested for milk, peanut, soy, whey, casin, and lacto globulin. We got the results back in 2-3 days. Our regular ped. ordered the tests for us because the allergist whined about it.

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[i][b]Allergy Eliminator [/b][/i]

My son had the blood RAST test and they tested for several tree nuts, peanuts, outdoor allergins, dogs, cats.... so they can test for several things at one time. Good luck

I don't understand why the doctors don't want to test until they have known exposure. Why are pregnant and nursing mom's being cautioned to avoid eating highly allergic foods? Isn't it because it exposes the unborn or newborn babies to these foods? My son tested positive to foods at 5 mos of age. His only exposure to any of the foods he is allergic to was through breastmilk, and logically, pregnancy.

If a child was breastfed and mom did not eliminate the foods from her diet, I'd argue that there has been exposure for that child. How else would young, breastfed children like mine have positive results for the RAST tests and resolved symptoms when the foods were removed from mom's diet?

Just a thought...no medical background...might not be applicable to bottlefed babies...just wanted to throw it out there.

Sorry, I ended before I answered your questions. I was just frustrated with your allergist's response because it was similar to my allergist. It seems like they would rather treat symptoms instead of being proactive and prevent symptoms in the first place.

We are fortunate enough to be in an HMO and so do not know the actual costs of the tests. We pay our co-pay and then have as many things tested for from one blood draw. Our pediatrician tested for cat dander, dog dander and dust mites via blood. So I know those can be tested in that way. I have no idea of their accuracy. It only took a few days for the doctor to get the results from the lab. Then a few more days for dr. to contact me. Hope this helps a little!

Good luck!

My daughter just had her third annual blood work completed. The list is about 20 food items plus latex. Our allergist also seems to hold back when I ask to add items to the list.

This year, I asked to add fish and shellfish just to see if she developed an allergy through any cross contamination. He kind of shrugged about it, but I am a bit persistent.

Last year, I added latex and sure enough it came back positive.

One of the drawbacks to a longer list is that they need to draw more than one tube of blood. They drew 4 tubes of blood to test for the items on her list. Not that big of a deal, just takes an extra 30 seconds or so to sit still.

If your insurance covers it, I wouldn't think twice about requesting to have the items tested that you want. It is much easier than skin pricks!!!