Dairy & Milk Allergy Test London
This page explains milk allergy blood testing and the key clinical distinction between IgE milk allergy, lactose intolerance and CMPA pathways. Our nurse-led service is diagnostic-only: we provide venous sample collection and laboratory reports; diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with your GP or specialist.
Safety note
If severe breathing symptoms, throat swelling, collapse, or suspected anaphylaxis occur, call 999 immediately. Blood testing is not an emergency service.
IgE milk allergy vs lactose intolerance vs CMPA
| Condition | Mechanism | Testing context |
|---|---|---|
| IgE milk allergy | Immune (IgE-mediated) | Specific IgE and component testing can support evaluation |
| Lactose intolerance | Non-immune (enzyme deficiency) | Not diagnosed by IgE milk protein testing |
| CMPA | IgE and non-IgE pathways | IgE tests support IgE pathways; non-IgE needs clinical assessment |
Milk components: alpha-lac, beta-lac, casein
Component-level interpretation may include alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein. These markers can provide additional detail versus whole-extract testing.
- • Alpha-lactalbumin (whey protein component)
- • Beta-lactoglobulin (whey protein component)
- • Casein (major milk protein fraction)
Recommended CTA
For milk and milk-protein focused blood testing, view Profile 12.
View Allergy Profile 12Frequently asked questions
What does a milk allergy blood test measure?
It measures specific IgE sensitisation to milk proteins. A positive result indicates sensitisation and should be interpreted with clinical history by your GP or specialist.
How is IgE milk allergy different from lactose intolerance?
IgE milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins and can include hives, swelling, wheeze, or anaphylaxis in severe cases. Lactose intolerance is a non-immune digestive issue caused by reduced lactase enzyme activity.
What is CMPA?
CMPA means cow’s milk protein allergy. It can be IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated. Blood IgE testing supports IgE-mediated pathways but does not diagnose non-IgE CMPA on its own.
What are alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and casein?
They are key milk protein components. Component-level results can add detail to extract-based testing and help specialist interpretation in the right clinical context.