Oral food challenge
Oral Food Challenge
The Oral Food Challenge (OFC) (pronunciation: /ˈɔːrəl fuːd ˈtʃælɪndʒ/) is a medical procedure in which a patient consumes a food under medical supervision to determine if that food causes a reaction. This is often used to diagnose food allergies.
Etymology
The term "Oral Food Challenge" is derived from its method of administration. "Oral" refers to the route of administration, i.e., through the mouth. "Food" refers to the substance being tested, and "Challenge" refers to the testing process itself.
Procedure
During an Oral Food Challenge, the patient is given gradually increasing amounts of the food in question, while being closely monitored for signs of an allergic reaction. The food is often disguised in another food to prevent bias. The challenge is stopped if the patient shows any signs of a reaction.
Uses
Oral Food Challenges are considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. They are typically used when other tests, such as skin prick tests and blood tests, are inconclusive. They can also be used to determine if a patient has outgrown a food allergy.
Risks
While Oral Food Challenges are generally safe, there is a risk of causing a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Therefore, they should only be performed under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in managing severe allergic reactions.
Related Terms
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