Food Allergy Testing & Food Intolerance Checks

Sneezing every spring? Constantly itchy? Developing rashes after certain foods? Or are you trying to work out whether an allergy or a food intolerance causes your symptoms? An allergy blood test can help identify potential triggers, giving you evidence to discuss with your healthcare professional rather than relying on guesswork or unnecessarily eliminating entire food groups from your diet. 
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IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test

This test detects IgE antibodies which are often raised in response to allergic reactions

  • Results estimated in 3 working days
  • 1 biomarkers
£60.00
Allergy Screen (UK) Blood Test

Do you live in the UK and are experiencing symptoms of an allergy, such as hives? With our allergy blood test, you can check whether you're allergic to some of the most common allergens in the UK

  • Results estimated in 5 working days
  • 2 biomarkers
£399.00
Allergy Screen (Nuts and Seeds) Blood Test

Are you experiencing symptoms of a nut or seed food allergy, such as hives? Our Allergy Screen (Nuts and Seeds) Blood Test checks to see if you are allergic to 14 commonly eaten nuts and seeds, including almonds and peanuts

  • Results estimated in 4 working days
  • 2 biomarkers
£281.00
Allergy Screen (Shellfish) Blood Test

Are you experiencing symptoms of a shellfish food allergy, such as hives? Our Allergy Screen (Shellfish) Blood Test checks to see if you are allergic to eight commonly eaten shellfish

  • Results estimated in 5 working days
  • 1 biomarkers
£299.00
Allergy Screen (Cereals) Blood Test

Are you experiencing symptoms of a cereal food allergy? Our Allergy Screen (Cereals) Blood Test checks to see if you are allergic to four common grain allergens

  • Results estimated in 6 working days
  • 2 biomarkers
£229.00
Young woman with long blonde hair is smiling and looking at the camera.
“Specific tests are useful to confirm if you have a suspected allergy and the IgE is useful if you are getting recurrent "allergy symptoms" but may not know why.”

Dr Susanna Hayter, Digital Clinician, Medichecks

Which allergy test should I choose?

The right test depends on the symptoms you're experiencing and what you think may be triggering them. 

Could an allergy cause your symptoms?

Allergy symptoms can affect almost any part of the body, and they aren't always obvious. While many people associate allergies with sneezing and itchy eyes, they can also affect the skin, lungs, and digestive system. 

Common symptoms include: 

  • Sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose 
  • Itchy, red, or watery eyes 
  • Wheezing, coughing, or worsening asthma 
  • Itchy skin, eczema flare-ups, or hives 
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face 
  • Tingling or itching in the mouth after eating certain foods 

If you've experienced symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or collapse after eating, seek emergency medical attention rather than relying on home testing.

FAQs

Can a blood test detect allergies? 

Yes. Allergy blood tests measure allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which show whether your immune system has become sensitised to particular allergens. Results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.

What's the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance? 

A food allergy involves an immune response and IgE antibodies, whereas a food intolerance usually doesn't. Food allergies often cause symptoms quickly, while food intolerances are more likely to produce delayed digestive symptoms.

Are allergy blood tests accurate?

When used appropriately, allergy blood tests are a well-established way of detecting IgE sensitisation. However, a positive result doesn't always mean an allergen is causing your symptoms, so results should be considered alongside your clinical history.

What's the best allergy blood test? 

It depends on your symptoms. A food allergy test is suitable if you react after eating specific foods, while a respiratory allergy test is more appropriate for hay fever or year-round environmental allergies. If you're unsure of the trigger, a comprehensive test offers the broadest assessment.

Can allergies develop later in life?

Allergies can develop at any age, even if you've previously eaten a food or been around an animal without any problems.

Can allergies make you feel tired?

Ongoing allergic inflammation, poor sleep caused by nasal congestion, or uncontrolled hay fever may contribute to fatigue. However, tiredness has many possible causes, so persistent fatigue may warrant broader health testing to assess factors such as haemoglobin levels, thyroid function, vitamin deficiencies, or inflammation.

Should I avoid food before taking an allergy blood test?

Unlike some diagnostic procedures, you don't usually need to stop eating a food group before an allergy blood test. If you've had a severe allergic reaction previously, always follow your healthcare professional's advice regarding food avoidance.