Cold Urticaria Testing
View All TestsWhat Is Cold Urticaria?
Cold urticaria is a form of physical urticaria in which hives (wheals) and swelling develop after skin exposure to cold temperatures — whether from cold air, cold water, cold objects, or consuming cold food and drinks.
Symptoms typically appear within minutes of cold exposure and resolve within 1–2 hours of rewarming. In severe cases, widespread cold exposure (such as swimming in cold water) can trigger systemic reactions including angioedema, hypotension, and even anaphylaxis.
Blood tests can help investigate underlying factors and rule out secondary causes. The clinical diagnosis is typically confirmed by an ice cube provocation test performed by a specialist. If you have experienced severe reactions to cold exposure, discuss emergency preparedness with your GP or allergist.
How Testing Works
Choose Your Test
Select from our range of allergy blood tests and book a convenient time at our South Kensington clinic. No GP referral needed.
Nurse Blood Draw
A qualified nurse takes a small blood sample at our clinic. The appointment is quick and straightforward.
Get Your Results
Results are sent directly to you, typically within a few working days. Share them with your GP or specialist to guide your next steps.
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Why Choose a Diagnostic-Only Clinic?
Unlike clinics that provide both testing and treatment, our nurse-led service focuses solely on accurate diagnostic testing. Because we don't offer treatments or prescriptions, there is no commercial incentive to recommend unnecessary tests — just honest, impartial results you can trust.
Nurse-Led & Impartial
Our qualified nurses collect your sample — we don't prescribe, treat, or have any reason to upsell.
Results You Own
Your results are sent directly to you. Take them to your GP or a specialist to discuss what's best for your situation.
You Stay in Control
Understand your allergy profile, then decide with your healthcare professional what steps to take next.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold urticaria dangerous?
Cold urticaria can be serious. Widespread cold exposure — such as jumping into cold water — can cause generalised histamine release leading to anaphylaxis. People with cold urticaria should be aware of this risk and discuss safety measures with their specialist.
How is cold urticaria diagnosed?
The standard clinical test is the ice cube provocation test, where an ice cube is placed on the forearm for 5 minutes. Development of a wheal after rewarming confirms the diagnosis. Blood tests can help investigate secondary causes.
Do I need a GP referral for allergy testing?
No. You can book directly with our clinic without a GP referral. Simply choose your test and select a convenient appointment time. If you're unsure which test is right for your symptoms, our team can help guide your selection.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before a blood test?
No. Unlike skin prick testing, IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications. You can continue taking your regular medications before your appointment.
What should I do with my results?
As a diagnostic-only clinic, we provide results directly to you. We recommend sharing them with your GP or allergist for interpretation and to discuss management strategies and safety precautions.
Investigate Cold Urticaria
Book a blood test at our South Kensington clinic
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