Allergy Education Hub · London

Common Allergens: IgE Allergy Testing Guide

This hub explains what allergens are, how IgE blood testing works, and how results fit into the UK clinical pathway. AllergyClinic.co.uk is a CQC-registered, nurse-led, diagnostic-only service: we provide blood sample collection and lab reporting, while diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with your GP or specialist.

IgE vs IgG: important distinction

IgE testing is used for immediate-type allergy sensitisation in standard allergy pathways. IgG food antibody testing is not used to diagnose food allergy. We provide IgE-based allergy blood tests only and do not provide IgG food intolerance panels.

Allergen categories and sub-pages

Food allergens

Common UK food triggers include peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, sesame, soy, shellfish and fish.

Airborne allergens

Pollen, dust mite, mould and pet dander are common causes of rhinitis, conjunctivitis and allergic asthma symptoms.

Contact, venom and other triggers

Latex, insect venom and selected occupational exposures can also trigger allergic reactions in some patients.

How allergy blood testing works

Choose the most relevant panel or component test based on your symptom history.
Attend a nurse-led venous sample appointment at our South Kensington clinic.
Your sample is processed by an accredited laboratory using established IgE methods.
You receive a written lab report to share with your GP or specialist for interpretation.

In an emergency, including suspected anaphylaxis, call 999.

Featured allergen tests we provide

These tests are pulled from our live catalogue and include broad panels, component-resolved tests, and Total IgE.

Total IgE

From £68

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Alternaria Components

From £81

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Parvalbumins

From £119

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Tropomyosins

From £119

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House Dust Mite Components

From £156

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Birch Components

From £196

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Allergy Profile 10 (Insects)

From £212

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Aspergillus Components

From £233

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Peanut Components

From £233

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Allergy Profile 11 (Combined Shellfish/Finfish)

From £239

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Allergy Profile 12 (Milk & Milk Proteins)

From £263

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Allergy Profile 13 (Stone fruit/Rosaceae family)

From £263

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Allergy Profile 6 (Shellfish)

From £298

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Allergy Profile 7 (Finfish)

From £298

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Latex Components

From £346

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Timothy Grass Components

From £346

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Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero Allergen)

From £366

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Allergy Profile 4 (Nuts & Seeds)

From £470

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Frequently asked questions

What is an allergen?

An allergen is a substance that can trigger an immune response in sensitised people. Common allergens include foods, pollens, dust mites, moulds, animal dander, insect venoms and latex.

What is the difference between IgE and IgG testing?

IgE tests measure immediate-type allergy sensitisation and are used in standard allergy pathways. IgG food antibody tests are not used to diagnose food allergy. Our clinic provides IgE-based allergy blood testing and does not provide IgG food intolerance panels.

Can a blood test alone diagnose an allergy?

No. A blood test shows sensitisation and should be interpreted with your clinical history by your GP or specialist. Our service is diagnostic-only: we provide sample collection and laboratory reporting, not diagnosis or treatment.

Do I need to stop antihistamines before an IgE blood test?

No. IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines. You can usually continue regular antihistamine medication unless your own clinician has advised otherwise.

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