Oral provocative test, or "gold standard" of modern diagnostics of food allergies

Oral provocative test (OPP) is a gold standard in the diagnosis of food allergies. Its essence is the controlled use of a certain product by the patient, which potentially causes an allergic reaction. The study is conducted under the supervision of medical specialists in specialized conditions, because this form of diagnosis allows to confirm or exclude the presence of food allergies with high accuracy.

OPT is often prescribed in cases where:

• Confirm or exclude food allergies;
• Determine whether a child or adult still has an allergy after a long period of eliminating the allergen from the diet;
• Determine whether a specific food is truly the cause of symptoms (e.g., itching, rashes, digestive problems, respiratory symptoms);
• Avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in children;
• Assess tolerance to a potentially allergenic food after treatment or hyposensitization.

The procedure is carried out in stages in medical institutions under the supervision of an allergist and a resuscitation team, which can be prepared for the occurrence of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

Main stages:

1. Preparation for ОPT. For several days before the procedure, the patient must exclude potential allergens from the diet and take antihistamines.

2. Conducting the test. The patient takes a small amount of the product being tested, the dosage of which is gradually increased over 1-2 hours. During this time, any changes in health are recorded.

3. Observation. After finishing taking the product, the patient remains under observation for several more hours. In some cases, medical observation can last up to 24 hours.

The study is stopped immediately after the onset of allergy symptoms or after reaching the maximum dose without a reaction.

Indications for OPT

• Suspected food allergy with ambiguous laboratory test results;
• Need to exclude an erroneous diagnosis of allergy (pseudoallergic reactions, food intolerance);
• monitoring the disappearance of allergies after an elimination diet (especially important for children);
• Selection of safe nutrition for patients with multiple allergies;
• Diagnostics in case of concomitant atopic diseases (atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis).

Contraindications for OPT

Despite its high diagnostic value, PPT has a number of absolute and relative contraindications:

Absolute contraindications:

• Known anaphylactic reactions to the product under study;
• Uncontrolled bronchial asthma or severe allergic disease;
• Recently suffered severe allergic reactions;
• severe cardiovascular diseases that can complicate the course of allergies;
• Inability to provide adequate monitoring and resuscitation.

Relative contraindications:

• Acute infectious diseases;
• Psychoemotional instability of the patient;
• Taking antihistamines or glucocorticoids before the test;
• Pregnancy (except for vital diagnostics).

Before performing the test, the doctor carefully evaluates the anamnesis, concomitant diseases and possible risks for each individual patient.

The oral provocative test has a number of important advantages that make it indispensable in the diagnosis of food allergies:

• High accuracy. This is the only method that gives a direct answer to the question of whether a specific product causes an allergic reaction.

• Ability to avoid unnecessary restrictions. Helps to avoid unjustified exclusion of products from the diet, which worsens the quality of life of a patient with food allergies.

• Safety control. The test is carried out under strict medical supervision, which minimizes the risk of complications.

• Individual approach. Allows you to accurately determine the level of sensitivity to allergens, and sometimes - to determine the tolerable dose.

• Useful for children. Allows you to assess whether the child has "outgrown" the allergy, which often happens in children.

• Informative for further treatment. Based on the results of the PPT, an individual treatment plan is formed.

How to prepare for the OPT?

• It is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations to temporarily exclude antihistamines (5-7 days before the test).
• It is important to refrain from consuming other allergens or products with a high risk of cross-allergy.
• The meal before the procedure should be light, without potentially allergenic components.
• It is recommended to inform the doctor about all chronic diseases, medications taken and previous allergic reactions.

Where to undergo an oral provocation test?

OPT should be carried out exclusively in specialized medical institutions that have all the necessary equipment and trained personnel to quickly respond to allergic complications. At the Oberig clinic, we have created safe conditions for such highly accurate diagnostics. Our allergist Marina Gudziy has extensive experience and is a recognized authority in the field of allergic diseases, and the resuscitation service is ready for any situation, which guarantees maximum patient safety.

Medical center "Oberig" is a modern clinic with a powerful diagnostic base, where patients receive not only an accurate diagnosis, but also full support in the fight against allergies. By choosing us, you get:

✅ Complete safety during the oral provocative test

The test is carried out in conditions of full resuscitation support - we are ready for any development of events, even the most rare ones.

✅ Confident experience of an allergist

Allergist Marina Gudziy has deep knowledge and experience in conducting PPP in adults and children, which guarantees effective diagnostics and further treatment, which will allow you to eat without restrictions in the choice of food.

✅ The most comfortable conditions for patients

We have created a space where each patient can feel safe and calm: modern wards, attentive staff, care at every stage of the examination.

✅ Compliance with the principles of evidence-based medicine

The Oberig clinic uses only internationally recognized diagnostic and treatment protocols. We do not conduct "formal" examinations - only those that are really necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

✅ Possibility of continuing treatment

After the diagnosis, the patient receives recommendations for treatment, diet, dynamic medical observation and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), if indicated.

Conclusion: An oral provocative test is a safe and reliable way to identify food allergies. If you or your child suspects intolerance to certain foods, do not take risks - contact specialists for an accurate diagnosis. This will help maintain health, avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and improve the quality of life.

A preliminary consultation with an allergist before the test is mandatory! To make an appointment with an allergist, call 044 521 30 03.