An oral food challenge (OFC) is a medically supervised test used to confirm or rule out a food allergy. When skin or blood test results are unclear or when a child may have outgrown a food allergy an OFC provides the most accurate answer. It is considered the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis.

How It Works / What to Expect?

An oral food challenge is performed only in the clinic under close medical supervision to ensure safety.

• You will receive preparation instructions, including when to stop antihistamines
• The suspected food is eaten in small, gradually increasing amounts
• Doses are given every 15–20 minutes while symptoms are closely monitored
• The entire process typically lasts 3–4 hours, followed by an observation period

The challenge is stopped immediately if symptoms occur, and treatment is provided right away.

Types of Testing

• Medically supervised oral food challenge
• Gradual dose escalation to a normal serving size
• Continuous monitoring for allergic symptoms, including skin, breathing, or digestive reactions

This test provides a clear “yes or no” answer that other tests cannot offer.

Who Should Consider This Service?

An oral food challenge may be recommended if:

• Skin or blood test results do not match your reaction history
• A food has been avoided for years and may have been outgrown
• A past reaction was mild or the trigger was unclear
• Symptoms were delayed or non-immediate, such as eczema
• You want to safely reintroduce a food under medical supervision

Oral food challenges are used selectively and are not a general screening test.