Skin Prick Testing in London – Fast, Safe and Reliable Allergy Diagnosis
Concerned About Allergies? Get a Skin Prick Test in London
Persistent sneezing, skin irritation, wheezing or unexplained congestion can signal an underlying allergy. If you're tired of managing symptoms without knowing the cause, a skin prick test in London is a trusted first step toward clarity.
At London Allergy Consultants, we specialise in delivering same-day diagnostic care for individuals of all ages. Whether you're concerned about environmental triggers, food sensitivities or pet dander, we offer expert-led skin prick testing in London supported by detailed treatment planning.
Our goal is simple: help you understand what's triggering your symptoms and guide you with a plan that brings lasting relief.
Same-Week Appointments Available | Consultant-Led Testing | Same-Day Results
★★★★★
“Dr du Toit is a fantastic specialist, my son and I both very much respect and value his expertise. We have seen many doctors over the years and Dr du Toit is one of those special doctors that can really make a difference in a person’s life.”
What is a Skin Prick Test?
A skin prick test is a fast, reliable, and minimally invasive diagnostic test for identifying specific food or aeroallergens. This test entails placing a drop of the allergen on the skin and gently touching it into the outer skin layer with a sterile lancet. If positive, a small wheal and pink flare will develop.
The SPT is a widely used diagnostic test that can be used on children, infants, and adults.
The skin prick test is commonly used, along side clinical history, to identify causes of:
Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
Pet allergies
Food allergies (both primary food allergies, e.g. peanut, and secondary, e.g. apple)
Asthma-related triggers (e.g. dust mite, pollens)
Eczema flare-up causes
Why Choose Us for a Skin Prick Test in London?
-
Same-Day Results
Clear answers and a plan during your first visit
-
GMC-Registered Allergy Consultants
Expert-led diagnosis with years of specialist experience
-
Specialist Paediatric Support
We test children of all ages in a calm, reassuring environment
-
Bespoke Allergy Panels
Based on your personal symptom profile
-
Convenient Location
Our clinic is conveniently located in London, with easy access to public transportation.
What Can a Skin Prick Test Detect?
Our skin prick test in London can screen for dozens of allergens across multiple categories:
Pollens: Birch, oak, plane, timothy, ryegrass and other tree, weed and grass pollens
Dust Mites: Common in homes, giving rise to year-round symptoms
Pets: Cat, dog, horse and small mammals
Moulds: Indoor and outdoor spores
Foods: Milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, sesame, tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish
Insect Venoms: Bee, wasp and hornet stings
If your symptoms suggest it, your consultant may recommend an extended panel or additional testing.
How a Skin Prick Test Works – Before, During and After
Understanding the process helps you feel more prepared. Here’s what to expect at each stage:
Before Your Test
You'll meet with one of our consultants to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and health background.
To ensure accurate results, we may ask you to stop antihistamines 48 hours before testing.
If needed, we’ll tailor your allergen panel based on your environment, diet and daily exposure.
During the Test
The forearm or upper back is cleaned, and small drops of allergens are applied to the surface.
Using a fine lancet, the skin is gently pricked to allow interaction with the allergen extract.
You’ll be monitored for 15–20 minutes while we watch for any raised red bumps or wheals.
The procedure is safe and typically well tolerated—even for children.
After Your Test
Results are reviewed with you immediately after the test.
Your consultant explains what the findings mean and provides:
A treatment and management plan
Medication guidance
Allergy avoidance techniques
Immunotherapy recommendations (if suitable)
Follow-up or additional blood tests, if necessary
We also offer Specific IgE Blood Testing, previously known as RAST tests.
We use Thermofisher Immuno-CAP and microchip tests such as the ALEX or ISAC tests.
We also use IgE tests to identify allergen components, which allows us to understand your allergies more deeply.
Sometimes, we may recommend Oral Food Challenge tests, which remain the gold standard in diagnosing food allergies. These can be low-risk supervised feeds or higher-risk incremental challenges.
Our consultants will always take a thorough clinical history before selecting allergens for testing.
Blanket screening is not recommended, and our testing is guided entirely by your history and symptoms.
Meet Our Skin Prick Test Specialists in London
Our team includes consultants who work exclusively in allergy medicine. They bring together decades of diagnostic and clinical experience in managing everything from seasonal rhinitis to complex, multi-system allergic conditions.
✔ Led by Professor George du Toit – world-leading paediatric allergy specialist
✔ Dr Ru-Xin Foong, experienced in state-of-the-art allergen diagnosis and treatments.
✔ Evidence-based, research-backed treatments, with close regulatory oversight
✔ Personalised, patient-centred approach in London and Surrey Clinics.
✔ Child-friendly, safe, and supportive environment
We are proud to provide leading care for those seeking a trusted skin prick test in London.
Allergy Blog – Latest Insights & Advice
Stay Informed on Allergy Research & Treatments
Our blog provides expert advice, the latest research, and practical tips on managing allergies effectively.
Our Locations – Accessible Clinics Across London & Surrey
We provide expert allergy care at multiple locations, ensuring convenient access to specialized treatment for food and airborne allergies.
The Portland Hospital – Marylebone
📍 Address: 205-209 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5AH
ENT4Kids – Wimpole Street, London
📍 Address: 61 Wimpole Street, London,
W1G 8AH
The Allergy Centre Of
Excellence
📍 Address: 10 Duchess Str, Marylebone,
W1B 9AB
Surrey – New Malden Diagnostic Centre
📍 Address: 171 Clarence Avenue, New Malden, KT3 3TX
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes. It’s a highly controlled procedure with minimal discomfort. It’s often recommended for infants and children when symptoms suggest an allergy.
-
Most patients are asked to stop antihistamines for 48 hours. Your consultant will provide personalised instructions based on your medications.
-
Expect to be in the clinic for 30–40 minutes, which includes consultation, test application, monitoring and review of results.
-
If you’re unable to stop antihistamines or have sensitive skin, we may recommend IgE blood testing as an alternative diagnostic option.
-
Yes. We routinely test for multiple allergens in a single session to provide the clearest picture of your allergic sensitivities.
-
That depends on your history. Skin prick tests provide immediate results and are ideal for fresh foods like kiwi, sesame or lentils. Blood tests offer standardised results and are unaffected by antihistamines—making them useful when medications can’t be paused.
-
Tests can help predict likelihood but not severity. However, component testing using ALEX or ISAC may improve understanding of prognosis and whether an allergy is outgrown.
-
No. Avoid unregulated tests such as IgG, IgG4, cytotoxic, kinesiology or iridology. These are not clinically validated. Testing should always be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who takes a full clinical history.
Book Your Skin Prick Test in London
If you’re living with allergy symptoms and want accurate answers, book your skin prick test in London with our specialist team today. We provide clear results, expert guidance and long-term care—all under one roof.