London Allergy and Immunology Centre
Private Allergy Testing in London
Consultant-led private allergy testing and specialist assessment for adults and children in London.
The London Allergy and Immunology Centre provides specialist assessment, clinically appropriate allergy testing and personalised treatment recommendations. We welcome self-paying patients, privately insured patients and referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Consultant-Led Allergy Assessment
Allergy symptoms can have allergic or non-allergic causes. For this reason, an appropriate diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical history rather than testing alone.
During your appointment, the consultant will review your symptoms, medical history, possible triggers and previous test results. Allergy tests are recommended only when they are likely to provide clinically useful information.
Clinical history
Detailed assessment of symptoms, timing, possible triggers and previous reactions.
Appropriate testing
Selection of relevant tests based on your history and clinical presentation.
Expert interpretation
Results interpreted alongside your symptoms to reduce the risk of unnecessary restrictions.
Personalised plan
Individual advice on treatment, avoidance, follow-up and further investigations.
Private Allergy Tests Available in London
Depending on your symptoms and clinical history, your consultant may recommend one or more of the following investigations:
Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing may be used to assess immediate sensitisation to selected foods, pollens, house dust mites, moulds and animal allergens. Results are usually available during the appointment.
Specific IgE Blood Tests
Specific IgE blood testing, sometimes called RAST testing, can assess sensitisation to individual allergens when clinically appropriate.
Molecular and Component Testing
Component-resolved and molecular allergy testing can provide more detailed information about allergen sensitisation, cross-reactivity and clinical risk.
Patch Testing
Patch testing may be recommended for suspected delayed contact allergy caused by substances such as metals, fragrances, preservatives, cosmetics or occupational products.
Drug Allergy Investigations
Selected patients may be assessed using specialist blood tests, skin testing or supervised challenge procedures following an initial consultation.
Food and Drug Challenge Tests
Where indicated, supervised challenge procedures are arranged in an appropriate clinical setting with trained staff and emergency facilities.
Not every test is appropriate for every patient. The consultant will explain which investigations may be useful and discuss the expected costs before proceeding.
Private Medical Insurance
Our consultants are recognised by many leading private medical insurance providers. Recognition, benefits and direct billing arrangements can vary by consultant, policy and service.
Please contact your insurer before booking to confirm that your chosen consultant and the proposed consultation or testing are covered under your individual policy.
AXA Health and Vitality patients
We do not have direct billing agreements with AXA Health or Vitality. Patients insured by either company are welcome to book an appointment but must pay the clinic directly. We will provide an itemised receipt that can be submitted to the insurer when making a claim. Reimbursement is subject to the benefits, exclusions and terms of the individual policy, so patients should confirm their cover with the insurer before booking.
How to Use Private Medical Insurance
Contact your insurer
Confirm that your consultant, consultation and any expected tests are covered.
Obtain authorisation
Request an authorisation or claim number and check whether a GP referral is required.
Provide policy details
Enter your insurer, membership number and authorisation details during registration.
Check your contribution
Ask about any excess, benefit limit, co-payment or treatment not covered by your policy.
Important:
patients remain responsible for any policy excess, shortfall or service not covered by their insurer. If an insurer declines or only partially settles an invoice, the outstanding balance remains payable by the patient.
GP and Healthcare Professional Referrals
We welcome referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals. A referral letter should include the patient’s relevant medical history, symptoms, current medication, previous investigations and the reason for referral.
Self-paying patients can usually book directly without a GP referral. Privately insured patients should ask their insurer whether a referral letter is required for authorisation.
Self-Pay Allergy Appointments
You do not need private medical insurance to book a consultation. Self-paying patients can normally arrange an appointment directly without a GP referral.
The consultant will recommend tests only when clinically appropriate. Please ask the clinic team about current consultation and testing fees when arranging your appointment.
Private Allergy Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for private allergy testing?
Self-paying patients can usually book directly. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral before providing authorisation.
Will allergy testing take place during my first appointment?
Some tests may be possible during the initial consultation, but this depends on your symptoms, medication, medical history and the type of investigation required. Other tests may need to be arranged separately.
Does a positive allergy test always mean that I have an allergy?
No. A positive result may indicate sensitisation without proving that the allergen causes symptoms. Results must be interpreted alongside your clinical history by an appropriately qualified clinician.
Can children have private allergy testing?
Yes. Consultant-led allergy assessment and appropriate testing are available for babies, children and adolescents as well as adults.
Book Private Allergy Testing in London
Register through our secure patient system to request a consultation with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre.