What to refer with
A complete referral shortens time to a useful first consultation and avoids repeat pathology. The items below cover most presentations.
Include with the referral
- 01Reaction history: food(s) implicated, dose, timing of onset, symptoms, treatment given
- 02Current management: any foods being avoided; antihistamine and adrenaline injector status
- 03Relevant results if available: specific IgE / RAST, prior skin-prick testing, FBC
- 04Comorbidities: eczema severity, asthma control, faltering growth
- 05Family allergy history and current feeding (breast, formula, solids commenced)
- 06Your practice details for correspondence, including secure messaging EDI where used
Antihistamine washout
Where clinically safe, ask families to withhold antihistamines for 3–5 days before the appointment to preserve skin-prick test validity. If withholding is unsafe or impractical, the appointment should proceed regardless — testing can be staged.
Referral criteria
Assessment and ongoing co-management is offered for the following presentations in patients aged 0–16:
- IgE-mediated food allergy — diagnosis, risk stratification and management
- Suspected anaphylaxis — assessment and ASCIA action planning
- Early allergen introduction in high-risk infants (eczema, sibling history, prior reaction)
- Supervised food challenges (open, incremental) for diagnosis and resolution testing
- Eczema with suspected food triggers
- Chronic urticaria and recurrent angioedema
- Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis
- Recurrent, severe or unusual infections; suspected primary immunodeficiency
