Over the course of your child's 2-5 day Launch visit, your child will undergo a 24-hour patch test and meet with one of our physicians to review the results and their treatment plan, based on our analytics. They will also complete their first Food Challenge at this visit.
During day 1, a patch that contains physical food allergens will be placed on your child’s back. This enclosed patch will remain on your child’s back for 24 hours. This allows us to assess how your child’s GI tract reacts to various allergens. Please keep the patch clean and dry, avoiding any heavy activity and sweating during the test.
During your Launch day your patch is removed and results are recorded while you meet with one of our physicians to review the results and your child’s treatment plan, based on our analytics. Our staff will thoroughly review your at-home dosing regimen with you, and your child will complete their first food challenge.
Since each child’s plan is individualized, some patients may need additional visits
depending on their treatment plan.
If you have any questions about the program, our physician will be happy to answer those for you at this visit.
Patch tests are used to detect possible food allergies and gastrointestinal sensitivities. The patch test measures conserved, innate immune responses to food allergens via the closed (air-tight) application of food allergens to the skin, followed by measurement of the immune response 24 hours later.
The patch test allows FAI to assess how the patient’s gastrointestinal tract reacts to various allergens, as the dendritic cells in the skin mimic those in the stomach. This test differs from ImmunoCap blood tests or skin prick tests, which are used to evaluate immediate reactions that may result in symptoms such as hives or anaphylaxis.
Combining patch testing and skin prick testing helps us identify foods that are causing allergic symptoms. As previously mentioned, a patch that contains physical food allergens will be placed on your child’s back. This appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes. This enclosed patch will remain on your child’s back for 24 hours, and the results will be ready the next day, at your Launch appointment.
During this visit, you will receive:
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a well-established modality of testing for evaluating lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. An exhaled Nitric Oxide test (Fractional Concentration of Exhaled Nitric Oxide Oxide – FeNO) can assist with determining how much inflammation is present in the airways.
Children 7 years of age and older will have a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and exhaled Nitric Oxide (ENO) test completed. Children younger than 6 are generally not developmentally capable of completing the tests as they require a level of coordination. These tests are performed so that we can evaluate your child’s airway reactivity to identify potential complications in an effort to maximize safety.
These tests will be performed periodically through out treatment based on you child’s specific needs.
Eating or drinking may cause your child’s results to fluctuate.
