Cow's milk protein allergy in babies
milk allergy in babies · CMPA test · cow's milk allergy test · milk protein IgE test
A small amount of blood is taken from your baby to check for antibodies to cow's milk proteins. It is one clue for the doctor, not a final answer.
If your baby gets a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or is very fussy after formula or dairy foods.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; results usually come in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Your baby usually does not need to fast. Feed as usual, unless the lab says otherwise.
- Medicines. Do not stop anything on your own. If your baby takes allergy medicine, tell the doctor. They will decide.
- Diary. Write down what your baby ate and any reactions. You can take photos of the rash.
- Comfort. Bring a favorite toy, bottle, or pacifier. It helps your baby stay calm.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your baby's ID
- The food diary and photos of reactions
- A bottle, pacifier, and toy
How it goes
- You hold your baby or stay right next to them
- The nurse finds a vein in the arm, sometimes on the back of the hand
- The skin is wiped with antiseptic
- A quick prick, and blood goes into a small tube
- A cotton pad and a bandage are put on the spot
What you'll feel
- Babies almost always cry. It is from fright and the prick, not from strong pain
- You can pick up and feed your baby right away
Afterwards
- Hold the cotton pad on for a few minutes
- Results usually come in a few days
- Even a normal result does not rule out allergy. Some types do not show up in the blood
- Your doctor decides how to feed your baby next. Do not change feeding suddenly without them
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, or trouble breathing after dairy: call emergency services
- Your baby is floppy, pale, or vomiting a lot: see a doctor right away or call emergency services
Common questions
If the test is normal, does that mean no allergy?
Not always. Some milk allergies happen without antibodies in the blood. The doctor looks at the test together with how your baby reacts to food.
Should a breastfeeding mother cut out dairy?
Your doctor decides. Do not go on a strict diet on your own. You could miss foods you need.