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Allergy and Food Intolerance Testing Service in Winchester
Many people in the UK are affected by allergy and intolerance to certain foods.
There are lots of tell-tale signs to look for if you think you might be experiencing allergy symptoms. Signs such as frequent sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and a congested nose. For some, the reaction is even more severe and can lead to anaphylaxis.
You may experience problems when you eat certain foods or when exposed to other ‘allergens’ in the environment such as pollen, animals and insect venom. All of these symptoms could be related to allergies. But how do you know for sure?
For some people, symptoms may be due to food intolerance rather than allergy. We can help you understand which is more likely and we can test for either.
Book a consultation and test with one of our clinicians in our clinic in the centre of Winchester.
Safe, private clinic
Our beautiful new clinic is in the centre of Winchester and we look forward to welcoming you. Keeping you and others safe is our priority. Please let us know before your appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Trained health professionals
Your consultation and blood test is undertaken by a health professional using equipment which is validated for clinical use. Your test will be explained to you and your results interpreted.
Testing for allergies or intolerance
The antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a vital role in allergic reactions to many substances. Our test can pick up on specific IgE antibodies and pinpoint potential triggers. Your blood sample is analysed using the innovative technology and detects your body’s reactions to 295 allergen extracts and allergen components. Alternatively we can perform a food intolerance test looking for IgG presence to over 200 food and drink ingredients. Junior intolerance tests are also available.
Unique results
Book an Allergy or Food Intolerance Consultation and Test in Winchester
Many people in the UK are affected by allergies. There are lots of tell-tale signs to look for if you think you might be experiencing allergy symptoms. Signs such as frequent sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and a congested nose. You may experience problems when you eat certain foods. All of these symptoms could be related to allergies or intolerances. But how do you know for sure? Discover what your body reacts to with a test from our comprehensive range using a finger-prick or venous blood sample. Your test is then sent to our partner lab for analysis.
- Your appointment will discuss your symptoms and potential causes to determine which test is best for you
- Allergy tests detect specific IgE antibodies for different allergens including pollens, food, pets, moulds and yeasts and insects
- Food intolerance tests detect specific IgG antibodies for different food products
- Sophisticated technology
- Precision component testing
- Comprehensive and reliable results within a few days.
Tests vary in price depending on the type and range of antibodies we are looking for. We will ensure that the appropriate test is discussed and agreed with you. You will only pay for a consultation booking fee at this stage. Any agreed tests will be paid for at the clinic.
Please select a date and time from the calendar for the consultation and enter your details as required.
GET ANSWERS
Sensitised, intolerant or allergic?
Allergy is an overreaction of your immune system in response to something that is normally harmless. In an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, certain foods or insect stings, the immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to the allergen it’s trying to fight. The process of your body becoming sensitive to an allergen is called sensitisation.
When you have an allergic reaction, the IgE antibodies tell other cells to release certain chemicals, such as histamine. And it’s those chemicals that can cause the annoying and sometimes even life-threatening allergy symptoms. The difference between sensitisation and allergy is whether your immune system uses its defence mechanisms or not. In other words, whether the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms are released or not. If you’re allergic, your next encounter with the allergen might trigger an allergic reaction. But you can be sensitised and encounter the specific substance repeatedly and never experience allergy symptoms. Sensitisation does not always lead to symptoms, but symptoms do not develop without sensitisation.
What allergens does the test look for?
The Allergy Test enables the analysis of 290+ allergens using the innovative technology ALEX – Allergy Explorer. ALEX measures allergen specific IgE and total IgE. The allergens that are tested are divided into the following groups:
- Pollen 59
- Pets 25
- Mites 19
- Insect stings 10
- Moulds & yeasts 13
- Foods 154
- Other allergens 14
How is my blood analysed?
Your blood sample is analysed using the innovative technology ALEX – Allergy Explorer, which provides extensive multiplex testing of IgE levels. Our test detects your body’s reactions to both allergen extracts and allergen components, allowing for comprehensive precision testing right down to individual proteins in an allergen source. The ALEX test method has been compared against the ImmunoCAP ISAC method, which is another very well-established and acknowledged method used by doctors and blood laboratories around the world. The study has been published in the peer-reviewed journal, World Allergy Organisation: Heffler et al. World Allergy Organisation Journal (2018) 11:7.
Clinical reading
Validated for specialist use.
How are allergy blood tests performed?
Collecting a blood sample is simple and is usually only temporarily uncomfortable.
Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. When your blood test results are ready we will set up a call with you to discuss the results. As a registered pharmacy, we can then discuss potential treatment options to help reduce your symptoms and strategies to reduce exposure.
How accurate are allergy blood test results?
Overall, the accuracy of blood tests for allergy or intolerances is high. Blood tests are evolving all the time and getting more precise.
What to do after blood testing
Knowing exactly what you are allergic or intolerant to means you’re better equipped to manage your causes and symptoms. You will be able to discuss your treatment options with us and make decisions that are right for you.
priority email Support
Contact an expert
We provide a priority email support service to ensure you get the answers you need when you need them. If you would prefer to talk one of the team during office hours then please phone us on 01962 798580.