Peanut Allergy Testing London | IgE Blood Test
Peanut allergy testing uses specific IgE and component-resolved diagnostics to clarify sensitisation patterns. Our nurse-led service provides venous sample collection and accredited laboratory reporting. We are diagnostic-only: diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with your GP or allergy specialist.
Emergency safety
If there is breathing difficulty, throat swelling, collapse, or suspected anaphylaxis, call 999 immediately. A blood test is not an emergency service.
Peanut components (Ara h1-h9)
Component testing looks at individual peanut proteins rather than whole extract only. This can help risk stratification in specialist pathways.
| Component | Protein family | Clinical context (general) |
|---|---|---|
| Ara h 1, Ara h 3 | Storage proteins | Often associated with primary peanut sensitisation |
| Ara h 2, Ara h 6 | Storage proteins | Common severity-associated markers in specialist interpretation |
| Ara h 8 | PR-10 (birch-related) | Often linked to cross-reactivity and milder oral symptoms |
| Ara h 9 | LTP | May be relevant in broader plant-food cross-reactivity patterns |
These are risk-context markers only; they do not predict an exact future reaction.
Testing process
- Book the relevant peanut-focused test.
- Attend nurse-led venous sample collection in South Kensington.
- Sample is processed by an accredited laboratory using IgE methods.
- Report is released to you to share with your GP or allergy specialist.
Peanut Components Test
Component-resolved IgE testing for Ara h markers.
View test →Allergy Profile 4 (Nuts & Seeds)
Broader nuts and seeds panel where multi-trigger context is needed.
View test →Frequently asked questions
What does a peanut IgE blood test measure?
It measures specific IgE antibodies to peanut allergens. A positive result indicates sensitisation, not a stand-alone diagnosis. Clinical interpretation requires your reaction history and specialist review where indicated.
Why are peanut components (Ara h1-h9) useful?
Component testing distinguishes peanut protein families. Storage proteins (such as Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6) are generally associated with higher risk of systemic reactions than birch-related cross-reactive proteins (such as Ara h 8).
Can this test predict exactly how severe a future reaction will be?
No. No blood test can predict an exact future reaction. Component results are risk markers that support clinical assessment by your GP or allergy specialist.
Do I need to stop antihistamines before a peanut blood test?
No. IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines.