Maximum blood laboratory testing is completed at our facility. We collect third generation component resolved diagnostic blood tests to identify IgE specific to individual proteins within an allergic food. This improves predictive clinical reactivity. Additionally, specific IgE blood testing (RAST or immunoassays) identify IgE to whole allergens.

Foundation Labs is a CLIA and COLA Certified, high complexity laboratory focused on supporting the diagnostic requirements for our treatment. Our lab is currently the only diagnostic facility that is able to perform the complete set of tests necessary to develop and maintain the treatment plans utilized in the Tolerance Induction Program.

Our pediatric phlebotomists perform the blood draw after you have competed your clinic appointment. Testing is performed at the Foundation Labs on the 3rd floor of 701 E 28th Street, Long Beach, CA, in the same building as your On-Boarding appointment.

Take time to discuss with your child how this procedure is a part of learning everything we can about their system. One way that they can help is to ensure that they are well hydrated. Eat a snack or consume salty/sugary foods beforehand. Cold temperatures can also result in difficult draws, wearing warm clothing to keep the body warm beforehand can be helpful.

You will receive a complete copy of your child’s test results at your next visit. Your next visit is referred to as the Launch visit.

If you have questions about labs costs and billing please email billing@foundationlabs.org.

Skin prick tests provide important information about IgE mediated allergies, which is one of the many data points that help us design a custom treatment plan for each patient. This diagnostic tool utilizes a sharp prong to superficially break the skin and allow measurement of the histamine response to specific food allergens. Results are collected and given to parents at their On-Boarding visit. While this test provides useful data, it is only one aspect of the patient’s complete allergic profile.

Patients will have the skin prick test performed on their back in our clinic. The pricks are made with a sharp edge, not a needle. Patients will need to remove their shirt and any undergarments that cover the surface of the back, gowns are provided. Patients will lay down on their stomachs, while the back is cleaned and the pricks placed. Prick sets are held against the skin for 10 seconds then removed. They will need to hold still for 15 minutes while the test is being performed. Generally we recommend bringing something to distract them such as an iPad or book during this time. For younger patients, we may have a parent lay on the bed with them for this test. After the test results are read, the back is wiped clean and antihistamine topical cream placed for comfort. These pricks do not leave scars.

Remember that 7 days prior to the skin prick test you should stop all antihistamine use as these medications can interfere with the accuracy of results. For age appropriate patients, discussing what will happen at this visit can be helpful to mentally prepare.

Results are collected and given to parents at their On-Boarding visit. While this test provides useful data, it is only one aspect of the patient’s complete allergic profile.

Generally, we recommend continuing the your child’s current diet. The physician may make recommendations based on your child’s specific case, but we typically recommend to continue to eat the foods they have been consuming previously without symptoms. Remember that decisions made for treatment consider a combination of test data that is being collected.