Private Allergy Testing — Remotely at Home & in the Laboratory

IgE Blood Tests Interpreted by Harley Street Allergy Specialists

Clinically validated allergy testing for adults and children across England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland — by post or in our London clinic.

---

---

What Is IgE Allergy Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody produced by your immune system in response to allergens. When you are exposed to a substance you are sensitised to — such as peanut, house dust mite, or grass pollen — your body produces allergen-specific IgE, which triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, causing the symptoms we recognise as an allergic reaction.

Measuring specific IgE in the blood is the cornerstone of modern allergy diagnosis. Unlike non-validated “intolerance” panels based on IgG antibodies, IgE testing has a robust and extensive evidence base established over decades of clinical research. Molecular allergy testing — sometimes called component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) — takes this further by identifying which specific protein within an allergen source your immune system is reacting to. This distinction is clinically significant: it can indicate whether a reaction is likely to be severe and systemic, or mild and cross-reactive, and it directly informs decisions about allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation). A 2025 publication in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Matricardi et al., ahead of print) described molecular allergy diagnosis as enabling true personalised medicine in allergy care.

---

Introducing the ALEX³ — The Most Advanced Home Allergy Test Available

We are pleased to offer the latest generation of molecular allergy testing — ALEX³ — at a discounted rate of £295 (online order for a home self-collection kit). This comprehensive screening test simultaneously analyses over 300 allergen extracts and molecular components from a single finger-prick blood sample, making it one of the most advanced IgE allergy panels available anywhere in the world.

ALEX³ was developed by MacroArray Diagnostics (Vienna, Austria) and represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, ALEX². By mid-2023, when ALEX³ was designed, nearly 400,000 real-world ALEX² test results from over 90 countries had been analysed to identify gaps in allergen coverage. New allergens were selected based on scientific literature and co-reactivity data, broadening the test’s global applicability and sensitivity.

Key features of the ALEX³ test include:

• Over 300 allergen extracts and molecular components tested simultaneously from a single tiny blood sample.
• CCD inhibition technology — cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are clinically irrelevant plant and insect sugar structures that can cause false-positive results in other tests. ALEX³ includes specific CCD blockers to prevent this, greatly improving the specificity of results.
• Total IgE measurement alongside specific IgE, providing a complete picture of your overall allergic burden.
• Comprehensive food and respiratory allergen coverage — including tree, grass and weed pollens; house dust mite; cat, dog and other pet dander; insect venoms; mould spores; latex; and a wide range of food allergens including peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soya, fish and shellfish.
• Pollen–food syndrome identification — ALEX³ can identify cross-reactivities between airborne pollens and certain raw fruits, vegetables and nuts that cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Published research in Allergy (real-life evaluation of multiplex IgE tests, PMC9790655) confirmed that multiplex IgE testing shows good correlation with skin prick test results and clinical symptoms in pollen–food syndrome patients.
• Results reported in kUA/L, classified across five quantitative categories — providing a clear and clinically meaningful sensitisation profile.
• CE-marked in vitro diagnostic — quality assured for analytical performance including limit of detection, precision, repeatability, specificity and linearity.

ALEX³ can be performed remotely at home using our postal finger-prick kit, or in our clinic during consultations with allergy consultants in London. Results are typically available within a few working days of the laboratory receiving your sample.

Example ALEX³ report — a nine-page detailed sensitisation profile covering all allergens tested.

---

Why Choose Molecular (Component-Resolved) Allergy Testing?

Traditional allergy extract testing tells you that you are sensitised to, for example, “peanut” or “birch pollen.” Molecular or component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) tells you which specific protein within that allergen source your immune system is reacting to. This distinction carries profound clinical implications.

Take peanut allergy as an example. A person with IgE to Ara h 2 (a storage protein) is at significantly higher risk of a severe systemic reaction than a person sensitised only to Ara h 8 (a PR-10 protein cross-reactive with birch pollen), who is far more likely to experience only mild oral symptoms. Similarly, someone with hazel nut or apple sensitivity due to pollen cross-reactivity (Cor a 1 or Mal d 1) may be able to tolerate well-cooked versions of those foods safely.

A peer-reviewed comparison study (PMC11119049) confirmed that ALEX² — the immediate predecessor to ALEX³ — detected at least one positive allergen component in 81.6% of cases where extract-level sensitisation was found, outperforming ISAC (76.5%), while the larger allergen panel in ALEX means fewer clinically relevant sensitisations are missed. A further study in Clinical and Molecular Allergy (2022) noted that the greater number of allergens available in ALEX can help clinicians improve personalised dietary advice for patients with multiple food allergies.

Molecular multiplex testing is increasingly recognised as an essential tool for: distinguishing genuine sensitisation from cross-reactive IgE; supporting decisions about allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation); guiding dietary management in food allergy; and, in specialist practice, informing eligibility for biologic therapies such as omalizumab (anti-IgE) in severe allergic disease.

---

Individual Allergy Tests — Test for a Specific Allergen

For those with a specific allergen in mind, we also offer individual specific IgE tests. This targeted approach provides maximum flexibility and may be more cost-effective when only one or a small number of allergens need to be investigated.

All individual testing — whether you select a single allergen or a small panel — can be performed conveniently from home using a simple finger-prick kit. One tiny blood sample can be used to test up to three individual allergens per order. If more than three allergens are required, you may place separate orders or visit our London clinic, where a nurse can collect a larger venous sample to cover any number of allergens in a single visit.

Individual allergen tests are priced at £42 per allergen, with a laboratory handling fee of £58 per order. View our full range of individual allergy tests, including common food allergens (peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soya, fish, shellfish) and respiratory allergens (house dust mite, grass pollens, cat and dog dander, moulds, and more).

---

Stool Test for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection of the stomach lining, typically spread through contaminated hands, food or water. It is a persistent infection that will not resolve without treatment. Typical symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (particularly at night), bloating, and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. In some long-standing cases, symptoms may become less noticeable, yet the infection remains active.

Of particular relevance to those attending an allergy clinic: H. pylori infection is known to activate mast cells (see reference below), which can amplify allergic responses and contribute to the severity of reactions. Research published in the European Medical Journal (2021) highlighted the role of infection and autoimmunity as underlying factors in urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling). In some patients with chronic or recurrent urticaria, treating an underlying H. pylori infection leads to a marked improvement in symptoms. If your stool test is positive, your GP should arrange treatment following the NICE protocol, which typically comprises a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medication taken together (eradication therapy).

This non-invasive test is performed by collecting a small stool sample in the comfort of your own home and posting it to our laboratory in a pre-paid sealed container for analysis using a validated antigen detection method.

Important: Please wait at least two weeks after completing a course of antibiotics or stopping proton pump inhibitors (such as esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, or pantoprazole) before collecting your sample, as these medicines can cause false-negative results.

Order your kit: Stool Test for Helicobacter pylori

Reference: The Role of Infection and Autoimmunity in Urticaria and Angioedema — EMJ Allergy & Immunology, 2021.

---

---

Please register for our electronic health records system to receive your results securely: https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/sign-up

---

Order Process

Once you have completed payment via our secure Worldpay system, your testing kit will be dispatched with full instructions. If you are not comfortable collecting your own sample, please seek assistance from a medical professional — particularly if the test is intended for a child.

For patients based in London, we offer an alternative: you may visit our laboratory to have a blood sample collected by a registered nurse. In this case, please contact our team by email to arrange your appointment — do not purchase the kit via the website if you intend to visit in person.

---

Cancellation and Refund Policy

This policy outlines the terms for cancellations and refunds for our remote laboratory tests and medical consultations. Please note that these services are exempt from certain provisions of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 owing to their nature as medical laboratory services.

1. Blood Testing Kits (Unused)
You have the right to cancel your order for an unused blood testing kit within 14 days of purchase. To receive a refund, the kit must be returned to us unopened and in its original condition at the client’s expense. A £15 administration fee, plus the £58 laboratory handling fee to cover processing costs, will be deducted from your refund. If a blood sample was not collected correctly, was mislabelled, or is insufficient for analysis, a £58 fee will be incurred for an additional sample kit to be sent.

2. Laboratory Testing Service
Once you have used the kit and your sample has been received by the laboratory, you lose the right to cancel. The laboratory testing service commences immediately upon receipt of your sample. By submitting your sample, you give your explicit consent for us to begin the service, thereby waiving your 14-day cancellation right. No refund can be offered for tests already processed or under analysis.

3. Consultations with Medical Consultants
Consultations are booked appointments with a medical professional. You may cancel or reschedule with a full refund provided you give at least 48 hours’ notice. A £15 administration fee will be deducted from your refund to cover processing costs. Appointments cancelled or missed with fewer than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable, as this time cannot be reallocated to another patient.

4. Queries Regarding Results
If you have concerns about your test results, please contact us by email to discuss the matter. The laboratory has a formal process for handling queries and, where clinically justified, can initiate a review. Please note that a refund is not the standard course of action for a disagreement with, or unexpected results from, a clinically valid test.

---

---

Most Popular Remote Allergy Tests

Each remote testing kit uses a small finger-prick blood sample and allows for testing of up to three allergens in a single order. All tests below can be ordered online and performed at home anywhere in the UK.

---

ALEX³ Comprehensive Screening Panel

One test. Over 300 allergens. A complete molecular sensitisation profile — from a single finger-prick at home.

---

Most Popular Tests in the London Clinic

If you have chosen to visit our London clinic for your tests, please select the tests below and contact our team by email to book your appointment. Do not purchase the kit online if you plan to attend in person — a nurse will collect your blood sample during your visit.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is remote allergy testing suitable for?

Remote IgE allergy testing is suitable for adults (aged 18 and over) anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who wish to investigate a possible food or environmental allergy. It is an ideal option for those who are unable to travel to a specialist allergy clinic, or who simply prefer the convenience of home testing. For children, blood must be collected by a healthcare professional, and we recommend visiting our London clinic or requesting a kit to be used by a local nurse or GP.

How accurate is a home finger-prick allergy test?

When processed in an accredited laboratory, finger-prick IgE allergy tests using validated platforms such as ALEX³ are highly accurate. The ALEX platform has CE certification as an in vitro diagnostic, with its analytical performance — including limit of detection, precision, repeatability, and specificity — verified to the same standard as clinic-based tests. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have confirmed good agreement between ALEX results and both skin prick test findings and clinical symptom history.

How long does it take to receive my results?

Results for the ALEX³ test are typically available within a few working days of the laboratory receiving your sample. Individual specific IgE tests are usually reported within a similar timeframe. Results are delivered securely to your electronic health record portal and accompanied by a covering letter.

Can I test for allergies if I am taking antihistamines?

Yes. Unlike skin prick testing, IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines and can be performed whilst taking these medications. You do not need to stop antihistamines before providing a blood sample for an IgE test.

What is the difference between allergy and intolerance?

A true allergy involves an IgE-mediated immune response, which can range from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. An intolerance, by contrast, does not involve the immune system in the same way and is generally not life-threatening, though it can cause significant discomfort. Conditions such as lactose intolerance (enzyme deficiency) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity are intolerances, not allergies. We also offer genetic tests that look for inherited variants associated with lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity.

---

---

What Our Patients Say

“A world-renowned allergy and immunology specialist who provides outstanding advice and guidance for parents going through heartache resulting from multiple food allergies. His calm and educational approach has left us close to tears — after finally having answers to so many questions. My son has dozens of food and environmental sensitivities, intolerances, and a number of life-threatening food allergies, as well as numerous environmental issues that seemed near-impossible to pinpoint. In my opinion, the London Allergy and Immunology Centre is an exceptional centre of excellence.”

— AZ, via Facebook

---

Our Clinical Credentials

Our allergy testing service is run in association with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, based on Harley Street, London. Our consultants hold substantive NHS consultant posts and are recognised specialists in allergy and clinical immunology. All laboratory testing is performed in London’s accredited facilities. Our service is available to patients across the whole of the United Kingdom — remotely by post or in person at our clinic.

For enquiries, please email our team or use the electronic appointment system to book a consultation.

Pruebas de Alergia a Distancia y en Laboratorio

Consultas con Especialistas en Alergias de Harley Street

---

La Nueva Prueba de Alergia ALEX³ — Análisis Molecular Avanzado

Nos complace ofrecer la última generación de pruebas de alergia molecular: ALEX³, disponible a un precio reducido de £295 (pedido online con kit de autoextracción domiciliaria). Esta prueba de cribado exhaustiva analiza más de 300 extractos de alérgenos y componentes moleculares a partir de una sencilla muestra de sangre por punción digital, lo que la convierte en uno de los paneles de alergia IgE más avanzados disponibles en el mundo. ALEX³ detecta tanto alérgenos alimentarios como respiratorios e identifica reactividades cruzadas (como el síndrome de alergia al polen y a los alimentos) que pueden explicar síntomas alérgicos complejos. La prueba genera un informe detallado y claro que refleja tu perfil individual de sensibilización, facilitando un manejo específico y asesoramiento dietético personalizado. ALEX³ puede realizarse de forma remota desde casa o en nuestra clínica de Londres durante consultas con especialistas en alergias, con resultados disponibles habitualmente en pocos días.

---

Prueba de Alergia Individual

Para quienes sospechan de un alérgeno concreto, también ofrecemos la posibilidad de solicitar una prueba para un alérgeno individual. Este enfoque personalizado proporciona la máxima flexibilidad y precisión. Todas las pruebas —ya sea para un único alérgeno o para un panel completo— pueden realizarse cómodamente desde casa mediante un sencillo kit de punción digital (con el que una sola muestra de sangre permite analizar hasta tres alérgenos individuales), o visitando nuestra clínica en Londres para una consulta y prueba de alergia con nuestros especialistas.

Ver todas las pruebas de alergia individuales: disponibles para realizarse en casa mediante punción digital (hasta 3 por muestra) de forma remota, o visitando nuestro laboratorio en Londres.

---

Prueba de Heces para Helicobacter pylori

El Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) es una infección bacteriana gástrica muy frecuente, que generalmente se transmite por contacto con manos contaminadas. Se trata de una infección persistente que no desaparece por sí sola y requiere tratamiento médico. Los síntomas habituales incluyen ardor de estómago, reflujo ácido, dolor o sensación de quemazón en el estómago (especialmente por la noche) y un sabor agrio en la boca. En casos de larga evolución, los síntomas pueden volverse menos evidentes, aunque la infección puede seguir activa y manifestarse como urticaria (ronchas), erupciones cutáneas o hinchazón inexplicables.

La infección por H. pylori puede activar los mastocitos (véase la referencia a continuación), lo que podría agravar las reacciones alérgicas. También puede ser un factor subyacente en algunos pacientes con urticaria o angioedema (hinchazón). Si el resultado de la prueba es positivo, tu médico de cabecera debería prescribir tratamiento siguiendo el protocolo NICE, que incluye una combinación de antibióticos y medicamentos supresores de la acidez.

Esta prueba no invasiva se realiza recogiendo una pequeña muestra de heces en casa y enviándola a nuestro laboratorio para su análisis.

Importante: Se recomienda esperar al menos dos semanas tras haber suspendido antibióticos o inhibidores de la bomba de protones (como esomeprazol, omeprazol, lansoprazol o pantoprazol) antes de recoger la muestra, ya que estos medicamentos pueden causar resultados falsamente negativos.

Solicita tu kit para la prueba de heces de H. pylori: Prueba de Heces para Helicobacter pylori

Referencia: The Role of Infection and Autoimmunity in Urticaria and Angioedema – EMJ 2021.

---

---

Por favor, regístrate en el sistema de historia clínica electrónica para recibir tus resultados de forma segura: https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/sign-up

---

Proceso de Pedido

Una vez abonado el importe a través de nuestro sistema seguro Worldpay, tu kit de análisis será enviado junto con instrucciones completas y detalladas. Si no te sientes cómodo recogiendo tu propia muestra, te recomendamos que cuentes con la ayuda de un profesional sanitario, especialmente si la prueba es para un niño o menor de edad.

Para quienes residan en Londres, existe una alternativa: puedes visitar nuestro laboratorio para que una enfermera cualificada extraiga la muestra de sangre (en este caso, contacta con nuestro equipo por correo electrónico y no adquieras el kit en la web).

---

Política de Cancelación y Reembolso

Esta política establece las condiciones de cancelación y reembolso aplicables a nuestros análisis de laboratorio remotos y consultas médicas. Cabe señalar que estos servicios están sujetos a exenciones parciales de los Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 debido a su naturaleza específica.

1. Kits de Análisis de Sangre (No Utilizados)
Tienes derecho a cancelar tu pedido de un kit de análisis no utilizado dentro de los 14 días posteriores a la compra. Para recibir el reembolso, el kit debe devolverse sin abrir y en su estado original, corriendo el envío a cargo del cliente. Se descontará del reembolso una tarifa administrativa de £15, más una tarifa de gestión de laboratorio de £58 para cubrir los costes de tramitación y devolución. Si la muestra no fue recogida correctamente, está mal etiquetada o es insuficiente, se aplicará una tarifa de £58 para el envío de un kit adicional.

2. Servicio de Análisis de Laboratorio
Una vez utilizado el kit y recibida tu muestra en el laboratorio, pierdes el derecho a cancelar.
El análisis de laboratorio es un servicio que comienza de forma inmediata tras la recepción de la muestra. Al enviarla, otorgas tu consentimiento expreso para que iniciemos el servicio, renunciando al derecho de cancelación de 14 días. Por tanto, no es posible ofrecer reembolso alguno por pruebas ya procesadas o en proceso de análisis.

3. Consultas con Especialistas Médicos
Las consultas son un servicio programado con un profesional médico. Puedes cancelar o reprogramar tu cita con reembolso completo siempre que avises con al menos 48 horas de antelación. Se deducirá del reembolso una tarifa administrativa de £15 para cubrir los costes de gestión. Las citas canceladas o no atendidas con menos de 48 horas de antelación no son reembolsables, ya que ese tiempo no puede reasignarse a otro paciente.

4. Consultas sobre Resultados
Si tienes dudas o inquietudes respecto a tus resultados, contáctanos por correo electrónico para tratarlas. El laboratorio dispone de un proceso formal para gestionar consultas y, si está clínicamente justificado, puede iniciar una revisión. Ten en cuenta que el reembolso no es el procedimiento habitual en casos de desacuerdo con los resultados de una prueba clínicamente válida.

---

---

PRUEBAS REMOTAS MÁS SOLICITADAS

Las pruebas de alergia individuales con el kit de análisis remoto utilizan una pequeña muestra de sangre por punción digital, lo que permite analizar hasta tres alérgenos distintos en un mismo pedido.

---

PRUEBAS DE CRIBADO ALEX³

---

PRUEBAS MÁS SOLICITADAS EN EL LABORATORIO

Si has elegido visitarnos en la clínica para realizar tus pruebas, simplemente selecciona los análisis que deseas y contacta con nuestro equipo — no es necesario comprar el kit en la web.

Lo Que Dicen Nuestros Pacientes

«Un especialista en alergias e inmunología de renombre mundial que brinda un asesoramiento y orientación excepcionales a los padres que atraviesan situaciones difíciles derivadas de alergias alimentarias múltiples. Su enfoque tranquilo y pedagógico nos dejó al borde de las lágrimas tras obtener por fin respuestas a tantas preguntas. Mi hijo tiene decenas de sensibilidades alimentarias y ambientales, intolerancias y varias alergias alimentarias potencialmente mortales. También presenta numerosas reacciones ambientales que parecían casi imposibles de identificar. En mi opinión, el London Allergy and Immunology Centre es un centro de excelencia excepcional.»

AZ, vía Facebook