London Allergy & Immunology Centre
Private Allergy Testing in London
Specialist skin prick, patch and blood allergy tests with NHS-trained consultant allergists — in clinic or by post across the UK
The London Allergy and Immunology Centre provides comprehensive private allergy testing in London and throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our consultant allergists, dermatologists and paediatric specialists deliver evidence-based diagnosis in line with current BSACI and EAACI guidelines (2025–2026).
We offer consultations at our clinics in London, Cambridge, Gatwick and Milton Keynes, as well as a fully remote blood-testing service available anywhere in the United Kingdom.
We Offer Two Groups of Allergy Tests
1
In-Clinic Tests — Performed with the Patient Present
Important: Antihistamines and certain other medicines can interfere with these tests and must be stopped before your appointment. Your consultant will advise on the exact washout period required.
📌 Skin Prick Test
A small drop of allergen extract is placed on the forearm and a lancet gently introduces it through the skin. Results are read at 15–20 minutes. Suitable for foods, pollens, pet danders, house dust mite and moulds.
📌 Prick-to-Prick Test
A fresh food item or plant material is used directly rather than a commercial extract, improving sensitivity for certain fruits, vegetables and latex-associated plant allergens.
📌 Patch Test
Panels of potential allergens (metals such as nickel, preservatives, fragrances and medicaments) are applied under occlusion for 48 hours to identify delayed-type (Type IV) contact hypersensitivity.
📌 Intradermal Test
A small volume of diluted allergen is injected into the dermis. More sensitive than skin prick testing and used primarily for drug allergy and venom hypersensitivity evaluation.
📌 Oral Challenge Test
Conducted under close medical supervision, a graded amount of the suspect food or drug is administered to confirm or exclude genuine allergy. Considered the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis.
2
Blood Tests — No Antihistamine Restrictions
Antihistamines do not affect the accuracy of these laboratory investigations. A venous blood sample is collected in clinic and sent to an accredited laboratory.
ImmunoCAP Specific IgE (RAST)
Quantitative measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies against a panel of more than 450 individual allergens including foods, inhalants, venoms and occupational allergens. Results are expressed in kUA/L and provide an objective, reproducible measure of IgE sensitisation.
→ View full ImmunoCAP allergen list
Alex3 Biochip — Molecular Allergy Component Test
The Alex3 (Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip) test simultaneously measures specific IgE to 300 allergens and allergenic molecular components from a single microarray biochip. It distinguishes genuine sensitisation from cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants and guides immunotherapy candidate selection.
→ View full Alex3 component list
Remote Alex3 Allergy Testing — Available Anywhere in the UK
The Alex3 remote testing service allows patients throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to access molecular allergy testing without travelling to a clinic. The process is straightforward:
Step 1
A self-collection kit is posted to you following payment and completion of a symptom questionnaire.
Step 2
You collect a small capillary blood sample at home using the included instructions or our online video guide.
Step 3
Post the sample directly to our accredited laboratory. Results are typically available within one week.
Step 4
Your consultant allergist reviews the results alongside your symptom questionnaire and provides a personalised clinical interpretation report.
Watch: How to Collect Your Sample at Home
Our Clinic Locations
London
Multiple sites in central and greater London
Cambridge
Convenient for East Anglia and the Home Counties
Gatwick
Ideal for Surrey, West Sussex and South London
Milton Keynes
Serving the Midlands and North Home Counties
Anywhere in the UK
Alex3 remote postal testing — England, Scotland, Wales & N. Ireland
What to Expect at Your Allergy Consultation
All consultations are led by a fully registered consultant allergist, dermatologist or paediatric specialist. Your appointment will include a detailed clinical history, physical examination where appropriate, and selection of the most clinically relevant allergy test(s). Following testing, you will receive a written report with results, diagnosis and management recommendations in accordance with current BSACI and EAACI 2025–2026 guidelines.
Where allergy immunotherapy (desensitisation) is appropriate, your consultant will discuss subcutaneous or sublingual options during or following your diagnostic appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to book private allergy testing in London?
No referral is required. You may self-refer directly to our clinic. We do, however, recommend informing your GP of any specialist investigations or diagnoses received.
How long before a skin prick test must I stop antihistamines?
Most oral over the counter antihistamines should be stopped at least 48 hours (2 days) before your testing appointment where skin prick or intradermal testing are done. Long-acting preparations (e.g. hydroxyzine) may require a longer washout.
Are allergy tests available for children?
Yes. Our paediatric allergy consultants see children of all ages. Skin prick testing is well tolerated in infants and toddlers. The remote Alex3 capillary blood-collection test is also suitable for older children and teenagers.
What is the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?
A food allergy involves an immune-mediated reaction (IgE- or non-IgE-mediated) that can cause symptoms ranging from urticaria and angioedema to anaphylaxis. Food intolerance is a non-immune mechanism (e.g. lactase deficiency) producing digestive symptoms without systemic risk. Our consultants can help distinguish between the two and arrange appropriate testing.
How accurate are home allergy testing kits compared with clinical tests?
Many commercially available home kits (e.g. IgG food intolerance tests) are not supported by robust clinical evidence and are not recommended by BSACI or EAACI. Our remote Alex3 service is a laboratory-accredited specific IgE test interpreted by a qualified allergist — a clinically validated approach that is distinct from unvalidated postal test kits.
Authoritative Clinical Resources
🏛 House of Lords Science & Technology Committee
Allergy report — recommendations on allergy services in the UK
📄 British Dietetic Association
Food Fact Sheet on Allergy Testing — guidance for patients and carers
📘 BSACI Guidelines
British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology — clinical practice guidelines 2025
Ready to find out what you are allergic to?
Same-week appointments available in London and across the UK. Speak to our team today.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Content is reviewed against current BSACI and EAACI clinical guidelines (2025–2026).