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Allergy challenge testing
Drug allergy testing in children
- Expert care from leading specialists
- Dedicated paediatric service
- A safe and reassuring environment for your child
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DRUG ALLERGY TESTING IN CHILDREN AT HCA UK
Why choose us for your child’s drug allergy testing?
At The Portland Hospital in London, taking care of your child is our priority. It’s why we’ve been commended by the Care Quality Commission for our patient-centred care and compassionate staff.
We understand that it can be frightening when your child has a suspected allergic reaction to a medicine. At our dedicated paediatric allergy clinic, you’ll have access to our team of specialists who are highly experienced in drug allergy testing. They’ll not only ensure that your child is kept safe and comfortable throughout the test, but will confirm a diagnosis so that your child can be treated safely and with the best medicine possible in the future.
We understand that it can be frightening when your child has a suspected allergic reaction to a medicine. At our dedicated paediatric allergy clinic, you’ll have access to our team of specialists who are highly experienced in drug allergy testing. They’ll not only ensure that your child is kept safe and comfortable throughout the test, but will confirm a diagnosis so that your child can be treated safely and with the best medicine possible in the future.
Drug allergy testing, also called a drug challenge, is carried out to see if your child is allergic to a particular medicine. Your child will be gradually exposed to an increased dose of the medicine to see if they have an allergic reaction and, if they do, how severe it is.
The drug challenge is carried out in in a safe, comfortable and controlled setting by our paediatric allergy experts at The Portland Hospital.
The drug challenge is carried out in in a safe, comfortable and controlled setting by our paediatric allergy experts at The Portland Hospital.
Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines or aspirin, as well as those prescribed for specific medical conditions, can cause some children to experience an allergic reaction.
The symptoms can range from mild, such as rashes, hives (a raised, itchy rash) or a fever, to severe. Severe symptoms can be life-threatening and include breathing problems and anaphylaxis.
The symptoms can range from mild, such as rashes, hives (a raised, itchy rash) or a fever, to severe. Severe symptoms can be life-threatening and include breathing problems and anaphylaxis.
If your GP suspects your child has an allergy to a particular medicine, it’s important to get them tested and diagnosed accurately so that they can be treated using only the safest and most effective drug in the future.
The clinical nurse specialist will explain what your child should expect and if there’s anything specific that they, or you, need to do to prepare. It’s important that you let the clinical nurse specialist know if your child is currently taking any medication, as this may affect any preparations they need to make.
It's always a good idea to tell child in advance what’s going to happen when they come to us for their drug challenge. This gives them time to ask any questions and helps them understand the process before they arrive. It can also help improve their willingness to take part on the day.
It's always a good idea to tell child in advance what’s going to happen when they come to us for their drug challenge. This gives them time to ask any questions and helps them understand the process before they arrive. It can also help improve their willingness to take part on the day.
Testing for drug allergies is similar to the test or ‘challenge’ for food allergies, but instead of checking for a reaction to a certain food, we’re monitoring your child’s reaction to a medicine.
During the drug challenge, your child will be exposed to a very small amount of medicine, and then carefully monitored to see what happens. The dose is gradually increased until we reach the desired dose. If your child has a reaction at any point during the test, the test will be stopped and your child will be treated immediately by our experts.
You can find out more in the ‘Your child’s drug challenge at HCA UK’ section below.
During the drug challenge, your child will be exposed to a very small amount of medicine, and then carefully monitored to see what happens. The dose is gradually increased until we reach the desired dose. If your child has a reaction at any point during the test, the test will be stopped and your child will be treated immediately by our experts.
You can find out more in the ‘Your child’s drug challenge at HCA UK’ section below.
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
Where can I get my child tested for a drug allergy?
Your child will be seen by our specialist team at our allergy clinic at The Portland Hospital.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
THE PATIENT JOURNEY
Your child’s drug challenge at HCA UK
We carry out drug challenges regularly at The Portland Hospital and your child’s safety is our priority. Our specialist team will be closely monitoring your child throughout the test, which takes place in a safe, controlled environment.
As a parent or guardian, you’ll be with your child throughout the drug challenge. To help them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, we recommend that you bring along their favourite book and toy.
The information below will give you a good idea of what to expect on the day of the drug challenge, but please get in touch with the team if you have any questions.
As a parent or guardian, you’ll be with your child throughout the drug challenge. To help them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, we recommend that you bring along their favourite book and toy.
The information below will give you a good idea of what to expect on the day of the drug challenge, but please get in touch with the team if you have any questions.
01
Before the drug challenge
The nurse will explain any potential risks and side effects of the test, and what measures we have in place to keep your child safe. If you’re happy to go ahead, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.
The nurse will also check that your child is well enough to go ahead with the drug challenge. It’s important that you tell us if your child has had any recent coughs, colds or infections.
The nurse will also check that your child is well enough to go ahead with the drug challenge. It’s important that you tell us if your child has had any recent coughs, colds or infections.
02
During the drug challenge
During the drug challenge, your child will be exposed to a very small amount of medicine, and then carefully monitored to see what happens.
If no symptoms occur, they’ll be gradually given more of the medicine until a desired dose has been reached. If your child does have a reaction, we’ll stop the test immediately and they’ll be treated quickly and safely by our expert team.
If no symptoms occur, they’ll be gradually given more of the medicine until a desired dose has been reached. If your child does have a reaction, we’ll stop the test immediately and they’ll be treated quickly and safely by our expert team.
03
After the drug challenge
After the test, your child’s clinical nurse specialist will explain their results and what to do if the results are negative or positive. They’ll also arrange a follow-up appointment with your consultant, if needed, and inform your child’s GP if there was an allergic reaction.
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Drug allergy testing in children FAQ
Your child may have an allergic reaction to the drug being tested. This is why we carry out the test in a safe and controlled environment in our hospital. Our dedicated team will closely monitor your child throughout the drug challenge and a consultant will always be available, if needed.
Your child will be referred for a drug challenge if they’ve had an adverse reaction that a healthcare professional, such as your GP, believes was caused by a drug allergy. It’s important to investigate a suspected drug allergy and to get an accurate diagnosis, as your child may need to take that drug in the future.
There are no alternative tests. A drug challenge is the only safe and sure way of finding out whether your child has a drug allergy or not. Our experts are always here to discuss any concerns you may have about your child taking the drug challenge, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Our patients' stories
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
Solving Alex’s undiagnosed heart condition
At the age of 12, dancer Alex Brookes began experiencing irregular heart palpations. After initially being told it was nothing to worry about, her symptoms persisted and her mum decided it was best to seek medical advice and chose The Portland Hospital.
“Dr Patel was very informative and I felt in good hands regarding my daughter's allergy. The consultation was thorough and went above my expectations.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.