At Private Medical Clinic, we understand the impact of allergies on your quality of life. From seasonal allergies to food sensitivities, allergies come in various forms and can affect people of all ages. Allergy testing is made easier with our innovative Alex 2 allergy tests available at our clinic, along with treatment options you need to find relief.
Allergies are the immune system's responses to substances that are typically harmless to most people. When someone with allergies comes into contact with these substances, known as allergens, their immune system reacts, leading to a range of symptoms.
The ALEX² (Allergy Explorer 2) test is an advanced laboratory blood test designed to identify allergic sensitisation by measuring specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies are produced by the immune system when it reacts to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, foods or animal dander.
Unlike traditional allergy tests that may only investigate a handful of allergens, ALEX² analyses hundreds of allergens simultaneously, making it particularly valuable for people with complex or multiple allergies.
The test can identify reactions to allergens including:
It also includes molecular allergy diagnostics, which can help distinguish between genuine allergies and cross-reactive sensitisation. This additional level of detail may assist clinicians in assessing allergy severity and determining the most appropriate management plan.
Allergies can be triggered by a wide range of substances, including pollen, dust mites, pets, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. While genetics play a significant role in predisposing individuals to allergies, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can also influence the development of allergic reactions.
Not everyone with hay fever or occasional sneezing requires extensive allergy testing. However, an ALEX² Allergy Test may be particularly helpful if symptoms are persistent, difficult to explain or involve multiple possible triggers.
You may benefit from allergy testing if you experience:
The test can also be useful for people who have previously received inconclusive allergy test results or wish to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their allergy profile.
Symptoms of allergies vary depending on the type of allergen and the individual's immune response. Common allergy symptoms may include:
One of the advantages of the ALEX² Allergy Test is the broad range of allergens included within a single blood sample.
The testing process is simple and usually involves only a routine blood sample.
The process typically includes:
Unlike skin prick testing, the ALEX² blood test can often be performed even if you're taking antihistamines, although individual advice may vary.
It's important to remember that a positive allergy test does not always mean you have a clinically significant allergy. Results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms by an experienced healthcare professional.
At Private Medical Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art Alex 2 allergy tests to help identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms. These tests involve a simple blood draw, which is then analysed to detect antibodies produced by your immune system in response to allergens. The Alex 2 tests provide comprehensive results, testing for up to 300 allergens, allowing us to pinpoint your specific allergens with accuracy and precision.
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether the ALEX² Allergy Test is accurate. Like all allergy investigations, no test should be interpreted in isolation, but ALEX² is regarded as one of the most comprehensive laboratory allergy tests available.
The test measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system when it becomes sensitised to an allergen. Using advanced molecular diagnostics, ALEX² can identify both whole allergen extracts and individual allergen components, providing more detailed information than many conventional allergy blood tests.
This additional level of detail can help your clinician:
It's important to remember that a positive allergy test alone does not confirm an allergy. Results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and, where appropriate, further clinical assessment.
Both the ALEX² Allergy Test and skin prick testing are valuable tools for investigating allergies, but they work in different ways.
*Always follow the advice of your clinician.
Neither test is considered "better" for every patient. The most appropriate investigation depends on your symptoms, medical history and the type of allergy being investigated.
In some situations, clinicians may recommend combining allergy history with blood tests, skin testing or food challenges to reach the most accurate diagnosis.
Patients researching comprehensive allergy testing often compare the ALEX² and FABER allergy tests.
Both are advanced laboratory tests that analyse multiple allergens from a single blood sample, but they differ in the technology they use and the range of allergens included.
Rather than choosing one test based on numbers alone, clinicians consider your symptoms, previous allergy history and the information needed to guide treatment.
Once your allergens have been identified through allergy testing, our experienced medical team can work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment options for allergies may include:
Living with allergies can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, resources, and support, you can take control of your symptoms and lead a healthier, happier life. If you suspect you have allergies or are struggling to manage your symptoms effectively, don't hesitate to book an appointment with one of our Doctors to schedule an allergy test, and consultation. Our dedicated team is here to help you find relief and enjoy life to the fullest, allergy-free.
Many patients ask whether the ALEX² Allergy Test is available through the NHS.
The NHS provides allergy investigations where clinically appropriate, but the specific tests available can vary depending on your symptoms, local services and referral pathways.
In many cases, patients are initially assessed by their GP and may be referred to an allergy specialist if further investigations are needed.
Private allergy testing may offer:
Regardless of where testing is performed, allergy investigations should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure results are clinically meaningful.
Receiving your allergy results is only the first step. Understanding what they mean is equally important.
Your report may identify sensitisation to one or more allergens, but this does not necessarily mean those allergens are responsible for your symptoms.
When reviewing your results, your clinician will consider:
For example, someone may have positive IgE antibodies to pollen without experiencing noticeable hay fever symptoms, while another person may react strongly to even low levels of exposure.
This is why allergy test results should always be interpreted within the context of the whole clinical picture rather than viewed in isolation.
Following your consultation, your clinician may recommend:
Understanding your allergy profile can help you make informed decisions about managing symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Preparing for an ALEX² Allergy Test is straightforward, and in most cases, there is very little you need to do before your appointment.
Unlike skin prick allergy testing, a blood test is often less affected by antihistamine medication. However, you should always follow the advice of your doctor or clinic before attending, as individual circumstances can vary.
To help your appointment run smoothly:
Providing as much information as possible about your symptoms helps your clinician interpret the results accurately and decide whether further investigations or treatment are needed.
Receiving your allergy test results is only one part of understanding your allergies. Your clinician will review the findings alongside your medical history and symptoms before recommending the most appropriate next steps.
Depending on your results, this may include:
Many people discover that understanding their allergy triggers helps them manage symptoms more effectively and avoid unnecessary exposure.
To book your appointment, please call the clinic on 0208 050 0379, or click here to book online.
The ALEX² Allergy Test is a comprehensive blood test that measures IgE antibodies to hundreds of allergens, helping identify potential allergy triggers from a single blood sample.
The ALEX² test analyses more than 295 allergen extracts and 170 molecular allergen components, making it one of the most comprehensive allergy blood tests currently available.
The test is highly advanced and provides detailed information about allergic sensitisation. However, results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history by a qualified healthcare professional.
Unlike skin prick testing, antihistamines often do not interfere with allergy blood tests. However, always follow the advice provided by your clinician before your appointment.
Results are usually available within several days, although turnaround times may vary depending on the laboratory processing the sample.
Yes. The test can be suitable for both adults and children when clinically appropriate, particularly if multiple allergies are suspected , our guide on recognising asthma symptoms in kids covers a closely related question parents often ask alongside this one.
The test can identify sensitisation to many food allergens. However, a positive result does not always confirm a clinical food allergy, and results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms.
Yes. Because it is a blood test, ALEX² can be particularly useful for people with eczema, whose skin condition can make skin prick testing more difficult.
The NHS provides allergy investigations where clinically appropriate, but access to ALEX² testing specifically may vary depending on local services and referral pathways.
Skin prick testing assesses immediate allergic reactions through the skin, whereas ALEX² is a laboratory blood test that measures specific IgE antibodies to a wide range of allergens.
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