Allergy Tests

Skin Prick and Specific-IgE Tests

Our clinical uses scientifically validated allergy tests to investigate IgE-mediated food allergy.

We offer -

  • Skin Prick Testing (SPT) and

  • Specific IgE antibody blood testing

    • previously called RAST testing, now called Immuno-Cap Testing

    • we also use new microarrays called the ALEX tests or ISAC tests

  • Oral Food Challenge tests (these are the gold standard investigation)

Our Team will always take time to obtain a rigorous clinical history before selecting allergens for testing; blanket screening is unwise.  

Can young babies undergo allergy testing?

Which food and aero-allergens can be tested?

Understanding your allergy test results

Do allergy tests hurt, and are they safe? 

Bogus Tests to Avoid

Please avoid the many bogus allergy tests on the high street or the Internet. Examples include Iridology, IgG, Viga, IgG4 testing, Cytotoxic testing, and Kinesiology.

Never perform an allergy test without an HCP taking a detailed clinical history beforehand.  

Which Allergy test is best?

  • Skin Prick Tests and Specific-IgE Blood tests each have unique advantages and disadvantages. 

  • Skin Tests provide an answer within 15-20 minutes of testing, whereas blood tests take days to return.

  • Skin Prick Test values vary between centres, while blood tests (Thermo-fisher-based, ALEX, or ISAC) are standardised across Labs.

  • Certain ‘labile’ foods such as Kiwi, Lentil, Wheat, and Sesame perform better on Skin Testing when fresh/uncooked foods are used.

  • Specific-IgE Allergy blood tests are not influenced by concurrent antihistamine use, whereas Skin Prick Tests are.

  • It is difficult to test for too many allergens using Skin Prick Testing, but Specific IgE Allergy tests allow this. 

  • Can allergy tests predict the severity of future allergic reactions?

  • Allergy tests can predict the likelihood of future allergic reactions if accidental exposure occurs; however, they do not accurately predict the severity of these reactions.

  • Allergen Component testing is increasingly helpful in predicting the severity of future reactions and the likelihood that allergies have been outgrown.

  • IgE testing can assist with the following aspects of management:

    • diagnosis (of allergy vs. tolerance)

    • prognosis (i.e., severe or not), and resolution.

    • response to immunotherapy.