Drug Provocation Tests (DPT) and Challenges

What your DPT involves will vary depending on the drug that’s being tested. Your consultant will talk you through exactly what to expect during the test, and you’ll be able to ask them any questions beforehand.

Generally, during a DPT, you’ll be given a drug as a tablet, syrup, injection, or inhalation, slowly and in gradually increasing amounts. You may need to wait for around 30 minutes to 1 hour between each dose. While you wait, you’ll be observed and monitored in our state-of-the-art outpatient clinic. If you don’t develop any symptoms during that time, you’ll be given a slightly larger dose. The test usually takes 2 to 6 hours to complete. 

Most DPTs are performed openly, which means that both you and your consultant know what drug you’re being given. In blind challenges, either you (known as single-blind) or you and your consultant (known as double-blind) don’t know whether you’re being given the real drug or a placebo.

DPTs are always performed under the supervision of a leading consultant who is trained in spotting early signs of an allergic reaction. They also have full access to the relevant emergency treatment in case it's needed at any point during the test. 

As with taking any medication, there are risks associated with DPTs. These include: 

• a rash

• swelling

• stomach upset (nausea, vomiting)

• anaphylaxis (a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction)

You may also experience what are known as subjective symptoms that may be due to a fear of having a reaction.

You’ll need to be in good health on the day of your DPT. 

This means that if you have any chronic allergic conditions, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis or eczema, or hay fever, they’ll have to be well-controlled. This is so that they don’t interfere with the interpretation of any symptoms and impact the results of the test. 

If you’re taking antihistamines, you’ll have to stop 3 days before your DPT since they might mask any mild symptoms. However, you can carry on taking intranasal steroids, antihistamine eye drops, leukotriene antagonists, or inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.

Once your DPT is complete, you’ll be able to go home and get back to your normal activities. Your consultant will tell you when and how you’ll discuss your results and any next steps.

Sometimes, you may need to take the drug for a few days after your DPT to rule out a delayed reaction. Your consultant will let you know if this is the case, and if so, when you’ll need to have a follow-up appointment.

Please contact our Allergy centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our allergists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book drug provocations and challenges, you must be referred by either your GP or an allergist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an allergist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.