Food Allergy Registry FAQs

We are here to help answer any questions you may have about the Food Allergy Registry. Below, you can find the most frequently asked questions about the registry, as well as answers to those questions from Henry Ford Health's Allergy, Immunology and Public Health experts.

Does my child have to be a Henry Ford Health patient to be part of the registry?

Yes, this registry is intended for children who are being cared for by a Henry Ford Health physician. 

What’s in it for me/my child?

This is a chance to take part in a registry that will help Henry Ford Health allergy and research specialists learn more about food allergy, why food allergy rates have increased in recent years, which treatments are the most effective, and how food allergies affect diverse populations of children. It is a way to help your child, your family, and other children like yours who have food allergies get better treatment in the future. 

My child has been scheduled for an oral food challenge at Henry Ford Health, but we haven’t gone for the appointment yet. Can I complete the questionnaires now, or do I have to wait until we complete the oral food challenge?

You can complete the questionnaires now. You do not have to wait until after your child completes an oral food challenge. 

Do I have to come in to Henry Ford Health to be part of the registry?

No, participation in the Food Allergy Registry is completely on line. You will fill out online questionnaires. 

How will the registry be used?

Henry Ford Health physicians who specialize in treating allergies and conducting research will be able to use the database to better understand and learn more about food allergies in children.  It may help develop new research about food allergies in the future. 

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, any information you provide is confidential and will be used for research purposes at Henry Ford Health only. The information is stored on a password-protected secure website managed and monitored by Henry Ford Health. 

Will you give my information/my child’s information to anyone else?

No, your information will stay with Henry Ford Health's Department of Public Health and will not be given to anyone else for any reason. 

Besides completing the questionnaire, what else do I have to do?

There is nothing else you have to do. Through this study, we will gather information so we can better understand food allergy in children. We might contact you to see if you/your child are interested in participating in future studies. There is no obligation to take part in any future studies.

What are the steps to being part of the registry? 

The first step is to complete the eligibility form. After this form is reviewed and your child's eligibility is confirmed, you will:

• Complete a consent form for your child. If your child is age seven or older, they will complete an “assent” form so we know they understand and want to take part in the Food Allergy Registry. 
• Answer some questions about medical history, reactions to food, and how food allergy has impacted your child and your family.
• In addition:
  • If your child is age eight or older, you and your child will complete the Child Quality of Life Questionnaire.
  • If your child is less than two years old and has an appointment for an oral food challenge, you will complete a Child Dietary Questionnaire before and after the oral food challenge appointment. This is completed online. 

Why do you want me to register for the Food Allergy Registry if I don’t know the results of the oral food challenge?

The more we can learn about all children who take part in an oral food challenge will help us answer a lot of questions. Even if your doctor finds out your child doesn’t have a food allergy, your participation in the registry is very helpful for us, as researchers. 

How long does it take to complete the questionnaires?

About an hour. You do not need to finish all at one time. You will be able to stop, save your progress and finish later if you need to. 

Who can participate?

Participants must:

• Be less than 18 years old,
• Have been diagnosed with a food allergy by a doctor,
• Have completed an oral food challenge in the past, or 
• Received a prescription for an epinephrine pen autoinjector. 

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I talk to?

Please call Administrative Coordinator Cheryl Miree at 313-874-6615 or email her at cmiree1@hfhs.org.