Allergy Profile 3 (Food) is a blood test that screens for IgE reactions to nine common food allergens in one sample, including codfish, cow's milk, egg, kiwi, peanut, sesame, soya and wheat. It suits people with symptoms such as hives, digestive upset or swelling that they suspect are linked to something they eat, who want this investigated without an initial food-challenge appointment. The test costs £376.25, plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results in 2 days. Walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
A doctor may suggest this test for someone who notices a pattern of symptoms, such as skin flare-ups, stomach cramps or swelling, after eating foods such as egg, wheat, cow's milk, peanut or shellfish-adjacent items like kiwi, to help narrow down likely triggers.
It is also used when someone has had a mild to moderate reaction and wants to understand which of these nine foods might be responsible before making changes to their diet.
Some people request it alongside investigation of other conditions, such as eczema or unexplained digestive symptoms, where a doctor wants to rule food allergy in or out as a contributing factor.
No fasting is needed for this test and most people do not need any special preparation. If you are taking antihistamines regularly, mention this when you book, as your doctor may want to discuss timing, though it does not affect this blood test in the way it would a skin-prick test.
A raised result against a food such as egg, peanut or wheat shows your immune system has produced antibodies to it. This is called sensitisation, and it does not always translate into symptoms on eating that food, so results are read as part of a wider picture rather than a standalone verdict.
Because food allergy testing can produce both false positives and false negatives, a doctor or dietitian will usually want to correlate any positive result with your actual reaction history before recommending you avoid a food.
If you have ever had a severe reaction to a food, including swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care rather than relying on this test, and always discuss results with a doctor before changing your diet.
To have results interpreted by a consultant immunologist, see the allergy clinic at Medical Express Clinic.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Scott Pereira.
It tests IgE antibodies to codfish, cow's milk, egg white, egg yolk, kiwi, peanut, sesame, soya and wheat, nine of the most common food allergy triggers.
No, a blood screen is a useful starting point, but a formal food challenge under medical supervision is sometimes still needed to confirm a food allergy.
No, you do not need to change your diet or avoid any foods before this blood test.
Results are typically available within 2 days of your blood being taken at 117a Harley Street.