Allergy tests

[crayon]

I meant to add this question to my post below:

Does anyone know of any reliable method of food allergy/intollerance testing other than the exclusion diet or skin prick testing? My son is now three years old.

Many thanks

Crayon

[livelife]

There is only RAST testing which needs a blood sample but this will only show true allergies not intolerance. Afraid exclusion is the only way to go for intolerance. Just don't waste your money on so called alternative tests. X

[texasrose]

Hi,
Just want to add that our dd's allergies were confirmed by RAST testing.

This was after we spent £35 having a lock of her hair 'analysed' by a chinese medicine kiosk at our local shopping centre - our GP said afterwards it was unscientific and a total waste of money.

On the other hand, if we hadn't done the chinese thing, maybe the GP wouldn't have sent dd for the RAST tests...

[crayon]

Thanks, does RAST testing need to be done through the GP then, or can it be done privately? Our GP is less than helpful, so I would be keen to get the ball rolling privately.

Many thanks
Crayon

[texasrose]

Hi, I'm not sure about having it done privately, I'm sure it must be possible to go through someone like BUPA.

I get the impression it might be quite expensive for the NHS so that's why some GPs are not very quick to suggst it - I'd keep pushing though or see a different GP if your present one really isn't very supportive.

[livelife]

you can definitely get it done privately but couldn't tell you where i'm afraid. For the nhs you really need to go via a paediatrician or allergy specialist both of which need a referral from your gp so could take ages .

[Heartmum2Jamie]

RAST testing can definately be done privately as that is how I got my ds tested (allergic to all dairy, eggs, nuts & wheat). The first thing I would suggest is calling your local hospital and see if any of the paeds do private work and what they specialise in. I was very lucky to have a paed consultant that specialised in immunology, allergies and nutrition AND did private work in a private clinic within the hospital itself.

Good luck with your search!

[Heartmum2Jamie]

I meant to add that I had already made the private appt before going to see my gp about a referal letter. I just gave him a tenner and he had it ready for the next day! It was a small price to pay for a speedy appt.