UK Allergies Screen
The UK allergy screenis a simple blood test designed to cover the most common allergens found in the UK, from fish, to milk, to nuts, pollens, dust and pet dander (dry flakes of skin). It’s important to remember that this test is for allergies, not intolerances. The effects of a food intolerance can be unpleasant. Whilst the effects of allergies can vary, in extreme cases, they can prove fatal.
Many people suspect they have an allergy. Some go years avoiding certain foods or other substances without ever knowing for sure precisely what their allergy is. And when you are allergic to two or more substances, pinpointing which ones to avoid can be a very lengthy exercise in trial and error.
Around 4 in 10 people in the UK are affected by allergies. But many are unsure or mistaken about what they are allergic to.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Dust allergies typically result in watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, itching and sometimes shortness of breath.
A food allergy can affect many areas of the body, often at the same time. Symptoms can include:
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Vomiting
- A raised, red, itchy rash anywhere on the body (hives)
- Swelling around the face, particularly the eyes, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth
- Dizziness
Severity of allergic reactions can vary. The most severe reaction, anaphylaxis, can be life threatening. If you experience shortness of breath, feel faint and have clammy skin and a racing heartbeat, dial 999.
What do you test for in a UK allergen profile?
Certain allergens are more common in certain parts of the world. This test looks for a range of allergens commonly found in the UK.
Cod, Cow’s Milk, Egg White, Soya Bean, Peanut, Wheat, Grass, Cocksfoot, Meadow, Meadow Fescue, Rye, Timothy, Cat Dander, Cladosporum Herbarum, Dog Dander, House Dust Mite, Latex
Why should I get tested?
When you are allergic to something but you are not sure what, testing across a range of common UK allergens is a great place to start your search.
What will happen at my appointment?
Your friendly clinician will collect a blood sample from your arm. Then, they will send your sample to our laboratory, where it will be tested for the UK Allergies Screen.
How will I receive my test results?
Upon completion of the analysis, your test results will be securely uploaded to your dedicated online Patient Area. When all your results are back, we will send you an email or SMS message.
What if I test positive for an allergen?
We are here to help you. We will arrange a consultation with one of our medical team. Your Better2Know doctor can assist you with accessing the care and advice you need to stop suffering from the effects of your allergy.
How do I schedule my appointment?
To schedule your appointment, use the "Get Started” button to book online. If you need any more help, please call our patient services team on the number above, they are available 24/7.
