What Is a Controlled Food Challenge?
In a controlled environment such as an intensive care hospital unit, the doctor (usually a board-certified allergist) may conduct a food challenge test to determine if a food allergy exists or to confirm a suspected food allergy. A sample of the suspected offending food is given to the person unknowingly. The suspected offending food may be mixed with another food or may be disguised as an ingredient in another food. These food preparation techniques are used to prevent undue influence on the outcome of the test (if the person recognizes the food by sight or taste). Another method is to have the person take a capsule containing the allergen.
