Targeted allergy blood testing with results interpreted personally by Dr Faizal Secretary. Find out exactly what you're allergic to — and what to do about it.
From £119 · Medically Interpreted · Results Explained in Full
Private allergy testing uses a blood test (specific IgE) to identify true allergies to foods, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould and more. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston it starts with a £119 consultation with Dr Faizal Secretary; the Alex 3 test screens 300 allergens (£300), and a results appointment is always included free.
An unstoppable sneezing, your skin erupting mysteriously, your stomach complains after a meal or your eyes are itchy at this time of year. All these signs are very irritating, uncomfortable and puzzling.
Allergies and intolerances affect millions of people in the UK. Many spend years managing symptoms without ever knowing the cause. A targeted allergy blood test can change that.
We offer specific IgE blood testing — the clinically validated method for identifying true allergic responses.
A true allergy involves your immune system producing IgE antibodies in response to a substance. Reactions can range from mild (sneezing, rash) to severe (anaphylaxis). IgE blood testing identifies true allergic responses accurately.
An intolerance generally does not involve the production of IgE antibodies, but there may be a different physiological response when exposed to the trigger. It's worth noting that many commercially available tests for food intolerances, such as IgG testing, have little or no scientific backing.
Dr Faizal will explain to you clearly about what your symptoms actually mean.
Children can develop allergies at any age and sometimes the symptoms can be difficult to manage. If your child has eczema, swelling, vomiting and other symptoms, it's essential that you have them checked out.
If an allergy is suspected, a specific IgE blood test can be used to help understand the possible cause. The results of the blood test and a discussion around symptoms and medical history will be taken into consideration when interpreting the results. A positive specific IgE blood test does not always mean there is a true allergy, so it's important to think about the bigger picture and consult Dr Faizal to have a clear understanding about your children's health.
Eczema: Eczema is very common in children and often not linked to allergies. However there are times when food allergies can trigger or worsen eczema. If you suspect that your child's eczema is linked to food, or if there are other associated symptoms, it's best to book a Private GP Appointment with Dr Faizal.
Colic: Colic is common in young babies and not typically associated with allergies. There are instances where cow's milk allergy can present similar symptoms to colic. If you suspect that your baby has a cow's milk allergy, it's best to speak to your GP before making any dietary changes.
The Alex 3 Allergy Test tests 300 allergens across 85 allergen families and 218 molecular allergens — the widest range of molecular allergens available on the market. Total IgE is also checked as part of the panel. Read more about the ALEX allergy test, including how it compares with skin prick testing and what it covers.
A follow-up results appointment is included free of charge with every allergy test.
A 30-minute appointment. The doctor ensures the right tests are selected — not a broad, expensive panel that tests for things irrelevant to your situation.
Blood taken in clinic. Sent to an accredited laboratory. Results typically returned within 5–7 working days.
The doctor goes through your results with you in full. A proper conversation about what your results mean and what to do next.
Specific IgE blood testing detects IgE antibodies to a range of allergens in the blood. A positive result indicates sensitisation to that substance but numbers are only relevant when viewed in context to symptoms.
Not quite. Skin prick tests are carried out by specialist allergy doctors. Both tests are valid and can be used as a tool in diagnosis but it is a matter of preference and which is appropriate to the type of allergy. If you feel a skin prick test is more suitable, we can help you find somewhere that offers this service.
Specific IgE blood testing is not effective for investigating food intolerances. We will take your symptoms into consideration and recommend a course of action if you feel it is appropriate.
There are a number of allergens that can be tested from a single blood sample. Please be sure that at My Private Clinic we are not going to perform any test that is not relevant to your symptoms.
If you are tested positive for an allergy Dr Faizal will explain your results clearly, prescribe proper medication and also arrange for a Specialist Referral if needed.
No. Unlike skin prick testing, IgE blood testing is not affected by antihistamines so you can continue taking your antihistamines like normal.
Yes, when there is a clinical reason to investigate. Dr Faizal will assess your child’s symptoms and history to determine whether testing is appropriate and, if so, which specific allergens to investigate. The focus is on what your child has been exposed to and what symptoms they have experienced rather than broad, untargeted screening.
Not necessarily. Eczema is common in babies and young children and is usually not caused by a food allergy. In some children who have food allergies, eczema can be harder to manage and in those cases, where other allergy symptoms are also present, targeted testing may be worth considering. Eczema alone does not automatically indicate the need for allergy testing.
Colic is common in young babies and is usually unrelated to allergy. Cow’s milk allergy can sometimes cause digestive symptoms in infants that overlap with colic, particularly when other symptoms are present alongside digestive discomfort. If you are concerned that your baby’s symptoms go beyond typical colic, or if they are persistent and severe, a GP assessment is the appropriate first step.
Our services
Related guides
Also serving patients from
Mon–Thu 5–8pm · Friday 9am–8pm · Saturday 9am–1pm.
Or email: hello@myprivateclinic.co.uk