Oral food challenge (OFC) is a medical procedure used to accurately diagnose or rule out a true food allergy when a patient’s medical history and/or allergy test results are inconclusive. Oral food challenges are more definitive because it will show whether the food ingested produces no symptoms or triggers a reaction. All in all, oral food challenges are considered the ‘gold standard’ test to determine if someone is allergic to a food.

How is the test performed?

At Allergy & Asthma Specialists, a patient is safely and slowly given a small and gradually increasing quantity of suspected food item to which he or she may be allergic.

This should only be done in a medical office under medical supervision. The result could be very dangerous and fatal. 

What should I bring with me on the day of the test? 
You should carry your usual medications AND emergency medications with you so you have them for the trip to our office and back. You may also want to bring along something to read while you’re at our office. You will be at our office for several hours.

What happens during the test? 

A physical exam and vitals are taken at the beginning and throughout the exam. We start with a small serving of the food and after a period of time, usually 15-30 minutes, if no symptoms are present, a slightly larger amount is eaten. Before each subsequent dose, careful evaluation is performed to look for any symptoms. If symptoms occur, and the medical personnel judge that a reaction is happening, the feeding is stopped and medications are given as needed. Otherwise, the feeding continues until, typically, an accepted portion is eaten.

Who brings the food to test with? 

Ask our specialists. It depends on many factors. If it is very specific, they may need to procure it for you or they may need you to bring it with you.

Can I do anything beforehand to prepare? 

• Get rest and be healthy on the day of your visit.
• Ask our office if you should eat before your test. You will likely be asked to eat nothing or a very light meal.
• Ask our office if you need to avoid any medications.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 219-513-8923. We’d be happy to help.