If you are going to challenge, definitely do it under close medical supervision.  We did a challenge with my son when he was about 3 or 4.  They started with a minute amount of powdered milk hidden in applesauce and waited 15 or 20 minutes to watch for any signs of a reaction.  Then they would double the amount of milk hidden in the applesauce, each time watching for any signs of reaction before proceeding.  If he had passed all the stages of the challenge (I think there were at least 12), the last step would have been to have him drink an 8 ounce glass of milk.  Then they would observe him for at least 4 hours.  The purpose of drinking the cup of milk was to make sure that he wouldn't have a reaction to a normal sized serving of the allergen, and also to reassure both my son and us that it was safe.  Apparently without this last step some people are still reluctant to actually consume the food that they were previously allergic to.  Also, watching for several hours
 afterward is a good idea in case the person has a delayed reaction.

My son actually consumed the equivelant of approximately 1/2 cup of milk before he showed a definite reaction.  Although the test did confirm his allergy, it did give us the reassurance that if he did accidentally ingest some milk it was probably not going to be an immediate, life-threatening reaction.  Hope this helps.

Sandy Sheeley


----- Original Message ----
From: Alex Oren <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 1:01:44 PM
Subject: To challenge?


The allergist currently suggests a set of two challenges, one week =
apart, involving ingestion of 30ml (1 US fluid ounce) of milk and a =
similar set for raw egg (yuck).  If no reaction is observed he would =
pronounce her allergy free for the tested substances.