IgE blood test
23 foods and 19 environmental allergens, taken in clinic and read by an accredited lab.
Results come back to you to share with your GP or specialist. Food Clinic NI cannot prescribe allergy medication.
Allergy testing
Food and environmental allergy testing
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein or environmental substance as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against it.
Where symptoms show up
Mild for some people. Serious for others. The pattern matters.
- BreathingHay fever, dust, pets, mould, asthma.
- DigestionTingling in the mouth, pain, vomiting, diarrhoea.
- SkinEczema, hives, contact reactions, swelling.
- Whole bodyDizziness, a drop in blood pressure, collapse.
Allergy or intolerance?
Different timing, different mechanism, different test.
Food allergyvsFood intolerance
How common
About 2% of the UK population
As many as 1 in 2
What it is
A rapid immune response driven by IgE antibodies
A sensitivity in how the body digests or handles a food, often involving IgG
When it shows
Usually within about 2 hours
Anywhere from 2 to 72 hours later
How serious
Can be severe. Anaphylaxis is a 999 emergency
Distressing, not typically life-threatening
What we do
IgE blood testing to share with your GP or specialist
Skin testing or IgG blood testing panels
Testing in clinic
Combined IgG and IgE
When symptoms cross over, both responses are measured from the same blood sample.
If this is anaphylaxis, call 999
Difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheeze, persistent cough, dizziness or collapse needs an ambulance. Say “anaphylaxis”.
Any swelling of the mouth or throat, or breathlessness with it, is an emergency.
999
Call for an ambulance. Food Clinic NI cannot prescribe allergy medication.
Questions
Booking allergy testing
No. You can book directly with Food Clinic NI 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, we can help guide your selection.
Book allergy or combination testing
IgE panels and combined IgG + IgE testing from one blood sample. Results to share with your GP or specialist.