Allergy Testing in London

At London GP Clinic, we offer fast and comprehensive allergy testing to help identify substances triggering your symptoms. A consultation with our specialists is required to determine whether an allergy test is the most appropriate course of action for your health concerns.

Our expert team—comprising specialists in dermatology, immunology, gastroenterology, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat)—conducts detailed allergy testing to pinpoint allergens affecting you.

Our allergy tests are available as a standalone service or as part of a personalised treatment plan. Typically, testing and treatment require two to three visits, all conducted in our discreet, state-of-the-art consulting rooms in Harley Street, London.

Expectations for Allergy Testing

At the first session, your medical history will be reviewed, which will help us to understand which allergen to look for during your test.

At your next consultation, we will do an allergy test, which may include a skin prick, intradermal, patch, blood (IgE), or oral challenge test.

During your last session, your expert will analyse the results of your tests and recommend the best course of treatment.

Every test done at the London GP Clinic is non-invasive and unlikely to cause complications.

Contact us today to schedule an allergy test and take the first step toward improved health.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances. Allergens are compounds that can be found in food, beverages, medications, the environment, and even skin care products.

Pollen, pet dander, insect venom, specific foods (including peanuts, eggs, and dairy), and drugs like penicillin are a few examples of common allergies.

Allergic reactions can range from minor annoyance to serious, life-threatening situations.

Types of Allergies

Common allergic conditions include:
 

• Asthma, which causes breathing difficulties;
• Hay fever (seasonal or perennial rhinitis), which causes sneezing, runny nose, and congestion;
• Oral allergy syndrome, which involves food allergies linked to pollen;
• Insect venom allergies, which involve reactions to bee or wasp stings;
• Medication allergies, which include penicillin and other medications;
• Eczema, which is mild to severe skin irritation;
• Coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune reaction to gluten;
• Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, which causes inflammation of the lungs from breathing in organic dust

Common Allergy Symptoms

• Migraines
• Sinus pain
• Runny nose
• Asthma symptoms
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Eczema flare-ups
• Swelling
• Itchy eyes, throat, lips, ears, or mouth
• Skin rashes or hives
• Wheezing or breathing difficulties
• Hyperactivity (in some cases)

How to Diagnose an Allergy?

At London GP Clinic, we identify the cause of your allergies by using a combination of clinical assessments and advanced allergy tests.

It is crucial to consult a specialist before taking any allergy test to ensure accurate results and appropriate testing.

Allergy Tests at London GP Clinic

1. Skin Prick Test (Most Common Allergy Test)

• Fast, minimally invasive, and very effective
• Results ready in 15–20 minutes
• Detects common allergens, like dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander, and specific foods.

The process:

A tiny drop of each suspected allergen is applied to your forearm or back. A sterile lancet gently pricks the skin, allowing the allergen to enter just beneath the surface. If there is any allergies, a small swelling will appear within 15 minutes.

Best to detect airborne and food allergen and allergies to pet.

2. Intradermal Allergy Test (For More Sensitive Detection)

• More sensitive than a skin prick test
• Ideal for detecting drug, venom, or severe environmental allergies
• Results are accessible in 15 to 20 minutes

The process:

We will inject a small amount of allergen just under your skin using a fine needle and the area will be observed for any swelling or redness.

Best for drug allergies (e.g. penicillin), insect venom, and cases where skin prick test results are inconclusive.

This test has an increased risk of reactions, so it's usually performed under medical supervision.

3. Patch Testing (For Skin & Contact Allergies)

• To identify contact dermatitis caused by latex, metals, cosmetics, and fragrances
• It takes longer—after 48 hours, the results are reviewed.
• Detects delayed allergic reactions to chemicals and materials

The process:

We will put a tiny patch of allergens on your back or upper arm and will remain for 48 hours without getting wet. Then, it will be checked for any allergic reactions.

Best to identify allergies to skincare, cleaning chemicals, hair colours, and metals such as nickel.

4. Allergy Blood Test (Specific IgE Test)

• Suitable for those who cannot go through skin testing.
• Detects allergic responses by measuring IgE antibody levels.
• Results are available within a few days.

The process:

A small blood sample is taken and analysed for the presence of IgE antibodies, which indicate an allergic reaction to specific substances.

Best for diagnosing allergies to food, environmental allergens, and medicine.

This test is safer for persons with severe allergies because it doesn't expose them to allergens.

5. Challenge Testing (For Food & Drug Allergies)

• It confirms allergies to certain foods or drugs.
• Helps rule out false positives from other testing.

The process:

A specialist slowly exposes you to a potential allergen, such as a specific food or medicine, in a controlled setting. Your responses are carefully watched to confirm or rule out an allergy.

Ideal for diagnosing food allergies such as peanuts, shellfish, dairy and drug allergies like antibiotics, and painkillers.

This test should only be performed under medical care, because it has the potential to result in serious reactions.

Why Should You Choose London GP Clinic for Allergy Testing?

• Our team includes expert allergists, dermatologists, and immunologists.
• We provide a comprehensive range of allergy testing for reliable diagnosis.
• Fast and trustworthy results are provided by our in-house pathology services.
• The course of therapy for allergies is customised for each patient based on the results of their tests.
• Our CQC-registered Harley Street clinic provides a stress-free environment.