Why Have an Allergy Test?
Many people live for years with unexplained symptoms such as digestive discomfort, skin rashes, itching, swelling, headaches, nasal congestion, or sudden reactions after eating certain foods. In some cases, these symptoms are caused by allergy, while in others they may be related to food intolerance or cross-reactivity.
An allergy test helps identify whether your immune system is reacting to specific allergens and, crucially, how significant that reaction may be. This information is essential for avoiding unnecessary food restrictions, reducing anxiety, and preventing potentially serious reactions in the future.
Common Reasons Patients Choose Allergy Testing
Patients often decide to have an allergy test because they want clear answers to questions such as:
– Am I allergic to a particular food or ingredient?
– Was my reaction immune-mediated or something else?
– Which allergen triggered my symptoms?
– Am I at risk of a more severe reaction in the future?
– Do I really need to avoid this food completely?
Without testing, people may exclude multiple foods “just in case”, which can negatively affect nutrition, quality of life, and confidence around eating.
Why Blood Allergy Testing Is Helpful
Blood allergy testing measures specific IgE antibodies, which are produced by the immune system in response to allergens. Unlike elimination diets alone, blood tests can:
– Identify sensitisation even when symptoms are unclear
– Help assess the likelihood of a true allergy
– Reduce unnecessary dietary avoidance
– Support safer, evidence-based decisions
Modern molecular testing goes further by analysing reactions to individual allergenic components, not just whole foods.
ALEX 3 – Advanced Allergy Testing
The ALEX 3 allergy test is one of the most comprehensive blood allergy tests currently available. It uses a single blood sample to assess sensitisation in detail.
ALEX 3:
– Screens 300 allergens and allergenic components simultaneously
– Includes both food and airborne allergens
– Identifies reactions to specific allergen proteins
– Helps diagnose oral allergy syndrome (pollen–food syndrome)
– Detects cross-reactivity between foods and pollens
– Supports personalised risk assessment and management
This level of detail is particularly valuable for people with complex symptoms, multiple suspected allergies, or previous unclear test results.
Understanding Cross-Reactions and Oral Allergy Syndrome
Some people react to foods not because of a primary food allergy, but due to cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins in foods. This is known as oral allergy syndrome.
ALEX 3 helps distinguish:
– Primary food allergy
– Pollen-related food reactions
– Low-risk sensitisation
– Allergenic components associated with higher reaction risk
This distinction is essential when deciding whether strict avoidance is required or whether foods may be tolerated in certain forms, such as cooked rather than raw.
Allergy, Intolerance, and Lactose Intolerance Testing
Food allergy and food intolerance are often confused, but they are not the same and require different diagnostic approaches.
Food allergy
– Involves the immune system
– Can cause immediate or delayed symptoms
– May be unpredictable and potentially severe
Food intolerance
– Does not involve the immune system
– Is commonly related to enzyme deficiency or digestion
– A frequent example is lactose intolerance, caused by reduced lactase enzyme activity
In addition to allergy testing, we also offer a genetic blood test for lactose intolerance. This test can identify whether you have a genetic predisposition to low lactase production and can be helpful for patients with persistent digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea after consuming dairy products.
Please note:
– The genetic lactose intolerance test is separate from the ALEX 3 test
– ALEX 3 assesses milk protein allergy, not lactose intolerance
– If lactose intolerance is suspected, the genetic test should be ordered in addition to or instead of ALEX 3, depending on symptoms
Your clinician can advise which test or combination of tests is most appropriate for you.
What Happens After the Test?
Once your results are available, they should be reviewed by a healthcare professional experienced in allergy medicine. This allows:
– Interpretation of which results are clinically relevant
– Assessment of future reaction risk
– Clear advice on foods to avoid or safely consume
– Reduction of unnecessary dietary restrictions
– A personalised management plan
Testing is not just about results – it is about using those results to improve safety, confidence, and quality of life.
Take Control of Your Symptoms
If you are experiencing unexplained reactions or want clarity about possible allergies or intolerances, advanced testing can provide valuable answers.
– Order the ALEX 3 Allergy Test
– Consider the genetic test for lactose intolerance if dairy-related symptoms are present
– Make informed, confident decisions about your diet and health
There is a genetic blood test that we also offer that can help to diagnose lactose intolerance (Intolerance test request form)
Please note Lactose intolerance test is not included in ALEX test (if you are concerned about lactose intolerance please order genetic test for lactose intolerance). ALEX tests for milk protein allergy