Oral Food Challenge



What is an oral challenge?

An oral challenge is a medically supervised procedure during which food is eaten in gradually increasing amounts. The purpose of a food challenge is to identify if a person can safely consume a food.


A food challenge typically takes about 4 hours. We will begin by giving you a small amount of the suspected food, and gradually increase the amount consumed every 15-30 minutes until a normal sized serving has been consumed. You will be closely monitored during the food challenge. The challenge is stopped if you have a reaction and treatment will be administered as necessary.


Why have a food challenge?

There are several reasons to do an oral challenge:

  • You had a positive allergy test, but never ate the food before.
  • The skin test or blood tests are inconclusive.
  • We want to evaluate if you have outgrown the food allergy.
  • We are thinking of doing food oral immunotherapy, but aren't entirely sure you are truly allergic to the food in question.

What should I bring for the oral challenge?

Please bring at least 2 servings of the particular food for the oral challenge.

Elmhurst milks can be found at certain grocery stores, or online at Elmhurst1925 , or Amazon. The nut butters can sometimes be found at Whole Foods or other grocery stores. We recommend bringing crackers or bread to consume with the nut butters or scrambled eggs.



Insurance coverage:

Prior to your visit, our staff can provide you with the procedure codes to share with your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company to discuss insurance coverage and any out of pocket expenses and deductibles.


The day of your appointment:

You may eat a light breakfast the morning of your appointment but avoid anything heavy or greasy. Bring snacks, drinks, and distractions such as books, toys, a tablet or laptop (Wifi is available).


Due to limited space, we request that only 1-2 adults accompany a child. Please do not bring other children. A typical visit lasts 4 hours, but sometimes takes longer.


You will need to be in good health on the day of the procedure. This includes ensuring that asthma is well controlled. If you are sick (cold symptoms, diarrhea, stomach ache, body rash, eczema flare, asthma symptoms,...) please call to reschedule your food challenge.



In order to be able to perform a food challenge, you must stop certain medications several days prior to your appointment.


Antihistamines to be stopped 7 days before the appointment:

Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec D)

Desloratadine (Clarinex, Clarinex D)

Doxepin (Sinequan)

Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra D)

Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert)

Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Meclizine (Antivert, Dramamine)


Antihistamines to be stopped 5 days before the appointment:

Brompheniramine (Actifed, Atrohist, Dimetap, Drixoral)

Chlorpheniramine (Chlortimeton, Deconamine, Novafed, Rynatan)

Clemastine (Tavist, Antihist)

Cyproheptadine (Polaramine)

Diphenhydramine (Allernix, Benadryl, Nytol, Tylenol PM)

Doxylamine (Bendectin, Nyquil)

Hydroxizine (Atarax, Marax, Vistaril)

Promethazine (Phenergan)


Stomach medications to stop 5 days before the appointment:

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Nizatidine (Axid)

Ranitidine (Zantac)


Nasal sprays and eye drops to stop 5 days before the appointment:

Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro, Dymista, Optivar)

Bepotastine (Bepreve)

Ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway)

Olapatadine (Pataday, Patanase, Pazeo)

Pheniramine (Visine A, Naphcon A)



Note that there are many other over the counter cold medications and sleep aids which contain antihistamines. This includes Tylenol Allergy, Actifed Cold, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough, and many others. Please check the ingredients of any over the counter medication to ensure they do not contain any of the above ingredients.


You should NOT stop your asthma medications. This includes your inhalers and singulair (montelukast).


There is NO need to stop steroid nose sprays (flonase, fluticasone, rhinocort, budesonide, nasacort, triamcinolone, flonase sensimist).




Contact us today to schedule a consultation.



Call us today at 724-837-4070, or visit our patient portal here, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dauby





Allergy Partners of Pittsburgh



Conveniently located in Westmoreland county, a quick drive from Greensburg, Monroeville, & Pittsburgh and surrounding areas


4212 Old William Penn Highway
Murrysville, PA, 15668