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SERVING SCOTLAND WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF CLINICAL EXPERTISE

Allergy Testing

Identify your allergies and sensitivities to develop effective management strategies. Our comprehensive testing helps pinpoint triggers for personalized treatment plans.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Do you experience any of these symptoms?

Respiratory

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy eyes
  • Asthma
  • Cough

Skin

  • Hives
  • Eczema flares
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Contact rashes
  • Redness

Digestive

  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting

Severe

  • Throat swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Dizziness

Our Tests

Allergy Testing Options

Comprehensive allergy testing to identify your triggers and guide effective management strategies for improved quality of life.

Skin Prick Testing

45-60 minutes

The gold standard for identifying immediate allergic reactions to environmental and food allergens.

Tests For

PollensHouse dust mitePet danderMouldsFoodsInsect venoms

How It Works

Small drops of allergen extracts are placed on the forearm, then gently pricked into the skin. Results appear within 15-20 minutes as small raised bumps.

Preparation

Stop antihistamines 5-7 days before. No need to fast.

Suitability

Adults and children over 2 years. Not suitable during pregnancy or severe eczema flares.

Specific IgE Blood Test

10 minutes (blood draw)

Measures antibody levels to specific allergens when skin testing is not possible.

Tests For

Full allergen panelsIndividual allergensCross-reactive allergensComponent testing

How It Works

A blood sample is taken and tested against a panel of common allergens. Results identify sensitization to specific triggers.

Preparation

No preparation required. Can continue antihistamines.

Suitability

All ages. Ideal when skin testing cannot be performed or for severe allergies.

Patch Testing

Multiple visits over 4-5 days

Identifies delayed allergic reactions, particularly contact dermatitis triggers.

Tests For

MetalsFragrancesPreservativesRubber chemicalsHair dyesMedications

How It Works

Allergen patches are applied to the back and left for 48 hours. Readings taken at 48 and 96 hours to identify delayed reactions.

Preparation

No topical steroids on back for 1 week. Avoid sun exposure to test area.

Suitability

Adults and older children with suspected contact dermatitis.

Food Intolerance Testing

10 minutes (blood draw)

Identifies non-allergic food sensitivities that may cause digestive or systemic symptoms.

Tests For

DairyGlutenEggsNutsSeafood200+ food panel

How It Works

Blood tests measure IgG antibody responses to foods. Results help guide elimination diets.

Preparation

Continue eating suspected foods before testing for accurate results.

Suitability

Those with digestive symptoms, bloating, fatigue, or skin issues not explained by allergy.

Drug Allergy Testing

Variable (may require half-day visit)

Confirms or rules out allergic reactions to medications for safe prescribing.

Tests For

PenicillinAntibioticsNSAIDsLocal anaestheticsContrast dyesOther medications

How It Works

Combination of skin testing and graded challenge under medical supervision. Blood tests may also be used.

Preparation

Bring list of suspected medications and reaction history.

Suitability

Those with previous drug reactions needing confirmation or safe alternatives.

Respiratory Allergy Panel

60-90 minutes

Comprehensive testing for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and asthma triggers.

Tests For

Tree pollensGrass pollensWeed pollensMouldsDust mitesAnimal danders

How It Works

Combined skin prick and/or blood testing covering all common airborne allergens.

Preparation

Stop antihistamines if skin testing included.

Suitability

Those with seasonal or year-round nasal symptoms, asthma, or eye allergies.

After Your Test

1

Results Discussion

Our allergy specialists will explain your results and what they mean for your health.

2

Treatment Plan

Personalized management strategies including avoidance advice and medication options.

3

Ongoing Support

Follow-up care and access to immunotherapy options if appropriate.

Book Your Allergy Consultation

Take control of your allergies with comprehensive testing and expert guidance. Understanding your triggers is the first step to effective management.

Consultations with allergy specialists

View All Diagnostic Services