Private Allergy Testing in London

Allergy Test Packages

At the Medical Express Clinic, we offer private allergy testing services in London for children, babies and adults. We uses the widely used, robust and scientifically accepted Skin Prick Test method in the UK for diagnosing environmental, inhalant and food allergies.

We have a wide range of common allergens and can also perform Prick to Prick skin tests by taking samples from the foods that you might be allergic to you. Please being the sample to be tested with you.

---

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is a response within the body to a substance (allergen) from its surroundings. This might be due to something that you eat, touch or inhale. The skin prick tests will let you know if and what you are allergic to, help avoid the allergens and promote a better quality of life. It is a safe test and can be done in children and adults. It is not painful, as a small metal pricker just scratches the upper layer of the skin with a drop of allergen.

If you are suspecting severe allergies, skin testing is a suitable way to let the GP know the root cause behind it. Some extracts of common allergens like pollen, mould, dust mites, animal dander and foods are used for performing these tests. Once they enter the skin, they may trigger a rash and make you feel irritated.

The kind of test you need to perform will depend on your symptoms and the doctors will be able to tell you which test to perform.

Common symptoms of Allergic Reaction include the following:

Any substance can cause allergies and it is quite difficult for individuals to detect the root cause of the problem. If you suffer from allergies, then allergy testing will identify the symptoms and get rid of them.

Different Kinds Of Allergens

Allergens are substances that can lead to an allergic reaction. You will find three kinds of allergens and they are the following:

• Inhaled allergens – This may affect your body when they get in contact with the membranes or lungs of the throat or nostrils. Pollen is the most popular inhaled allergen.
• Ingested allergens – They are usually present in certain foods such as – seafood, soy and peanuts.
• Contact allergens – They should come in contact with the skin to produce some reaction. An example of a reaction from contact allergen is the rash and itching from poison ivy.

Diagnosis

At Medical Express Clinic, our doctors are helping to find out the exact origin of your symptoms, whether acute or severe. During your initial consultation, a full history of allergic symptoms will need to be established by the allergy consultants, including allergies that you may have had as a child. After a full consultation, together with your specialist, both of you can decide upon the best options which may include:

• Blood testing using the ISAC panel.
• Patch test for contact allergies.
• Skin prick test.
• Challenge test which is undertaken in the hospital.

A blood test or skin prick test that results in some sensitivity may not necessarily be an allergy. Together with your consultant, we will find out the exact cause of an allergy and devise the most appropriate management strategy. This can help identify the specific substances you are allergic to and prevent restrictive diets. For example, identifying dust mites as the root cause of your child’s asthma can inform patients to undertake the appropriate interventions to improve the overall quality of life.

Treatments

The management of allergy should be with your specialist and this includes:

• Therapeutic education
• Environmental education
• Desensitisation (immunotherapy)
• Medication

Some Possible Allergy Testing available at our clinic:

What you can expect from allergy consultation

Your first visit to Medical Express Clinic, allergy test for your child or babies will involve a thorough evaluation of your allergy and medical history, you will need to fill out an allergy questionnaire. We can then tell you about other possible causes for the allergy. You may have to perform a special blood test known as a RAST/ImmunoCap. This might help you to detect allergens that include – dust mites, cats, dogs, pollens, milk, eggs, latex, peanuts etc. You will be able to get the results of the test within 48-72 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Should you know about Allergic Reactions?

It is an immune response by the body to specific foods or substances (allergens). Your body will detect a particular substance and initiate the immune response – it is this immune response that causes symptoms. There can be a family history of allergies or other health problems, such as – eczema or asthma. As allergies are now very common, there might be a large proportion of people who are aware of what allergens they may react to.

How common an allergic reaction be?

Allergic conditions are quite common in the UK, with nearly 1 in 10 children, 1 in 6 teenagers and 1 in 4 adults experiencing allergic symptoms during some point in their lifetime. The number of people suffering from allergies are increasing almost every year.

What will be the cost of private allergy testing in the London?

The cost of an allergy test in London relies on allergens' number found and the testing method's complexity. However, consultations start at £250 and before we undertake any extra diagnostics, patients will be aware of the full cost.

Which kinds of allergen should be tested in this allergy testing?

The service includes a comprehensive range of allergens and our testing assesses the reaction of your body to 290+ allergen. This consists of:

• Food (144)
• Pets (20)
• Insect stings (9)
• Pollen (62)
• Moulds and yeasts (15)
• Mites (17)
• Others (15)

Is there any private allergy testing clinic near me?

If you reside or visit Harley Street, London and looking for allergy testing, you can schedule your appointment with us by dialling 02074991991.

It is essential that for 3 days prior to your consultation with our doctor, you should stop taking any antihistamine medication; such as Piriton, Benadryl and Sudafed. If possible, try to bring in the list of presumed allergens for checking.

Contact us Book Appointment