Nickel Allergy Test London | Serum Nickel Blood Test
This guide explains nickel allergy, which is a non-IgE, delayed-type contact dermatitis mechanism, and the role of a serum nickel blood test. Our service is CQC-registered and diagnostic-only: we provide nurse-led venous sample collection and laboratory reporting, while diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with your GP or specialist.
Different from typical IgE allergy
Nickel allergy is a non-IgE, delayed-type (Type IV) hypersensitivity that presents as allergic contact dermatitis. This differs from the immediate IgE-mediated allergy pathway used for foods and pollens, so IgE blood testing is not the appropriate investigation for nickel contact allergy.
Safety note
If severe breathing symptoms, throat swelling, collapse, or suspected anaphylaxis occur, call 999 immediately. Blood testing is not an emergency service.
Contact dermatitis and the non-IgE mechanism
Allergic contact dermatitis to nickel develops through a delayed immune response, often appearing as itchy, red, or scaly skin where nickel-containing items touch the skin, such as jewellery, watch straps, belt buckles, and zips.
Because the mechanism is delayed-type rather than immediate IgE, dermatology-led patch testing is the recognised method for diagnosing nickel contact allergy. A serum nickel blood test does not replace patch testing for this purpose.
Serum nickel blood test
A serum nickel blood test measures the level of nickel in the blood. It is a laboratory measurement rather than a stand-alone diagnostic test for nickel contact allergy.
Whether a serum nickel measurement is clinically useful depends on your circumstances. Results should always be interpreted by your GP or specialist within your full clinical context.
Serum Nickel Test
Laboratory measurement of nickel level in blood, for interpretation by your clinician.
View Serum Nickel Test →Frequently asked questions
Is nickel allergy an IgE allergy?
No. Nickel allergy is a non-IgE, delayed-type (Type IV) hypersensitivity that presents as allergic contact dermatitis. This is different from the immediate IgE-mediated allergy pathway used for foods and pollens.
How is nickel contact allergy usually diagnosed?
Allergic contact dermatitis to nickel is typically assessed by dermatology-led patch testing, which is the recognised method for delayed-type contact allergy. A serum nickel blood test is a different investigation and does not replace patch testing for diagnosing contact allergy.
What does a serum nickel blood test measure?
A serum nickel blood test measures the concentration of nickel in the blood. It is a laboratory measurement and is not a stand-alone diagnostic test for nickel contact allergy. Results must be interpreted by your GP or specialist within your clinical context.
Where is nickel commonly found?
Nickel is commonly found in jewellery, watch straps, belt buckles, zips, coins, spectacle frames, and some tools and fastenings. Contact dermatitis often appears where skin meets these items.