Allergy symptoms can be confusing and life‑limiting—but they don’t have to be. The Allergy Screening Programme at Liv & Harley Street Hospital delivers precise answers and a clear plan forward. Book your assessment and take control of your environment, your diet, and your health.
Allergy Screening at Liv & Harley Street Hospital
Take Control of Your Allergies, Live Better
What is Allergy Screening ?
Allergy Screening identifies the specific substances—foods, pollens, animal dander, insect venoms, latex, and more—that trigger your immune system. We combine high‑sensitivity blood tests (including the ALEX® multi‑array) with targeted ultrasound or respiratory measurements when needed, giving you a detailed map of your personal allergens and the information you need to prevent reactions or begin desensitisation therapy.
A. Who Should Have Allergy Screening?
People with persistent symptoms—rash, sneezing, wheeze, stomach upset—that have no clear cause.
Anyone with a family history of allergy, asthma, eczema, or anaphylaxis.
Patients considering immunotherapy (allergy shots/tablets) who need a confirmed diagnosis.
Individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis that are hard to control.
Those monitoring known pre‑cancerous or immune conditions in which allergies complicate treatment plans.
B. Who Can Take It?
Adults and children able to give a small blood sample.
Pregnant patients who need allergy clarification—blood tests are radiation‑free and do not expose you to allergens directly.
Anyone who cannot stop antihistamines (blood tests are unaffected, unlike skin tests).
C. Who Should Delay or Avoid It?
People with active skin infections at potential skin‑test sites (blood tests may still be possible).
Patients on powerful immunosuppressants—results can be misleading.
Those with severe anemia or clotting disorders that make blood draws unsafe.
Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to latex (we use latex‑free equipment, but alternatives to band‑placement tests are preferred).
Very young infants—special paediatric protocols apply; speak with our team first.
Contact Us
Get in touch with our experienced team to book your consultation.
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Why Choose Us
Liv & HSH London
Comprehensive Test Menu
From the ALEX® 280‑allergen panel to targeted IgE, component‑resolved diagnostics (CRD), and FeNO for allergic asthma, we tailor testing to your history—not a one‑size‑fits‑all kit.
Specialist Interpretation
Results are reviewed jointly by consultant immunologists, allergists, and dermatologists to avoid false reassurance or unnecessary food exclusions.
On‑Site Emergency Readiness
Should a rare reaction occur, our clinic is fully equipped with resuscitation facilities and experienced staff.
Personalised Action Plans
Every report includes clear dietary or environmental advice, prescription options, and—when appropriate—referrals for immunotherapy or dietetic support.
What Do We Do? (Procedures & Tests)
4.1 Core Blood Tests
| Test | Targets | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| ALEX® Macro‑array | 280+ foods & aero‑allergens | Complex / multisystem allergy, unclear triggers |
| ImmunoCAP Specific IgE | Individual foods, pollens, venoms | Confirm a suspected trigger (e.g., peanut, cat dander) |
| Component‑Resolved Diagnostics (CRD) | Peanut Ara h 2, egg Gal d 1, etc. | Distinguish mild sensitivity from high‑risk anaphylaxis |
| Total IgE | Overall allergic tendency | Supporting data for eczema, asthma |
| Venom‑Specific IgE | Bee, wasp, hornet | Pre‑immunotherapy baseline |
| ctDNA / BRCA (if indicated) | Not allergy‑related but can be bundled | Patients needing combined cancer & allergy panels |
4.2 Condition‑Focused Panels
Food Allergy Screen – peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, egg, wheat, soy + CRD where useful.
Environmental Panel – grass/tree/weed pollens, dust‑mite, mould, pet dander.
Latex Allergy Panel – latex‑specific IgE and CRD for Hev b proteins.
Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis Trigger Set – common foods + environmentals frequently linked to flares.
Asthma & Rhinitis Bundle – aero‑allergen IgE plus FeNO to gauge airway inflammation.
4.3 Procedure Details
Duration: 10 – 20 min for blood draw; no sedation or analgesia needed.
Results: Standard panels 3–5 days; ALEX® 5–7 days.
Sessions: Usually one; repeat annual or biennial checks if new symptoms appear.
4.4 Preparation
No fasting required (unless combined with metabolic tests).
Continue usual medications—antihistamines do not affect blood IgE results.
Notify us of blood‑thinning drugs or severe phobias; we can schedule extra support.
4.5 Benefits
Pinpoint triggers to reduce trial‑and‑error elimination diets.
Non‑invasive, safe for pregnancy and small children.
Guides targeted therapy such as venom immunotherapy or biologics for severe atopic disease.
Prevents severe reactions by clarifying cross‑reactivities (e.g., birch pollen & apple).
4.6 Risks & Limitations
False positives or low‑level sensitisation do not always equal clinical allergy—expert interpretation is vital.
Very rare bruising or fainting from venepuncture.
Extremely small risk of anaphylaxis to latex in equipment; we use latex‑free supplies on request.
FAQ
Frequently Ask Questions.
Everything you want to know about Allergy Screenings in London Liv & Harley Street Hospital.
It detects many more allergens in one blood sample and is useful if you can’t stop antihistamines, but skin tests can still be helpful for confirming clinical relevance. We often use both.
Not for blood tests—another advantage over skin testing.
Yes. For infants under two, we use age‑adjusted panels and paediatric‑trained phlebotomists.
You’ll receive a detailed report and a consultation to discuss avoidance strategies, prescription options (e.g., epinephrine auto‑injector), or referral for desensitisation.
Many policies pay for medically indicated tests—check your plan. We provide pre‑authorisation codes on request.