Children’s Allergy Testing
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our paediatric allergy specialists in London offer comprehensive allergy testing to help identify whether a child has a food or medication allergy. Our goal is to provide clear answers so families can safely manage allergies and, where possible, reintroduce foods into a child’s diet.
All children are first assessed by a consultant paediatric allergist or paediatrician with expertise in allergy. Testing may include skin prick tests and blood tests, such as specific IgE or advanced testing like the ALEX allergy test, to determine whether an allergy is likely. Based on these results, children may be referred for a supervised oral food challenge, which is considered the most accurate way to confirm whether a child is allergic or tolerant to a specific food.
Because safety is essential when diagnosing allergies, all testing and food challenges are performed in a controlled hospital setting with specialist clinicians and nursing staff. Our team closely monitors children throughout the process and provides clear guidance to families on managing allergies or introducing foods safely after testing.
Paediatricians Specialising in Allergies
Dr Sathish Bangalore is fully covered by all major insurers. Dr Lee Noimark does not accept referrals from AXA. Dr Wolfgang Muller is recognised by all major insurers but his consultation fees may require an excess. Please check with your insurer if you are unsure, or call our friendly team on 02070783831 for more information.
Oral Food Challenge Testing
The oral challenge is considered to be the most accurate way to confirm whether a child is tolerant to a specific food or drug having previously been labelled as allergic. At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our specialist paediatric allergy team in London offers carefully supervised food challenge testing in a safe hospital setting.
During the procedure, the suspected allergen is given in small, carefully measured amounts while your child is monitored by experienced clinicians for any signs of an allergic reaction. If the challenge confirms that a child is not allergic, the food can often be safely introduced into their diet. This can significantly expand dietary choices, reduce anxiety around eating, and improve quality of life for both the child and their family.
Before a food challenge is considered, children must undergo a detailed consultation with a consultant paediatric allergist or paediatrician specialising in allergy. Skin prick testing and/or blood tests (including specific IgE or advanced allergy testing such as the ALEX test) may be performed to assess the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Based on these results, the specialist may refer the child for a supervised food challenge.
Skin Prick Tests & Blood Tests for Allergy
Before a supervised food challenge is considered, children are usually assessed using allergy testing such as skin prick tests or blood tests. These tests help our paediatric allergy specialists determine whether a child is likely to have an allergic reaction and whether further testing, such as an oral food challenge, is appropriate. By combining these tests with a detailed medical history and specialist assessment, our paediatric allergy clinic in London can provide a clear diagnosis and determine whether further testing, such as a supervised food challenge, is recommended.
A skin prick test involves placing a small drop of allergen extract on the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and gently pricking the skin so the substance enters the surface layer. If a child is allergic, a small raised bump (similar to a mosquito bite) may appear within around 15 minutes. Skin prick testing is quick, minimally invasive and widely used to help diagnose food allergies.
Blood tests, such as specific IgE testing or advanced panels like the ALEX allergy test, measure the level of allergy antibodies in the bloodstream. These tests can provide additional information about how the immune system reacts to certain foods or allergens and may be used when skin testing is not suitable or when further clarification is needed.
Children's Allergy Testing Pricing
All children will need to be assessed by a consultant paediatric allergist or paediatrician with expertise in allergy to determine the most appropriate testing for their symptoms and medical history. This may include skin prick testing, specific blood tests or more advanced allergy testing where clinically appropriate. Based on these results and the medical history, children may be suitable and referred for a supervised oral challenge.
If required, the consultation fee covers the initial appointment only and does not include the cost of any tests; any recommended investigations and associated fees will be clearly explained before proceeding. We can also provide allergy testing for children who have been assessed elsewhere and have an appropriate clinical referral.
Please note that all blood tests are subject to an additional £46 phlebotomy fee; this does not apply to skin prick testing.
|
Consultation with allergy specialist |
From £250 |
|---|---|
|
Single specific allergen |
From £30 (per allergen) |
|
Skin prick allergy test |
From £295 |
|
Blood test allergy panels |
From £78 |
|
ALEX allergy test |
From £440 |
|
Supervised oral food or drug challenge |
£950 |
FAQs About Children's Allergy Testing
Our paediatric allergy specialists may use skin prick testing, blood tests (specific IgE), and advanced allergy tests such as the ALEX test to identify potential allergies. If results are unclear, a supervised oral food challenge may be recommended.
You do not need a referral for skin prick testing or blood testing. You can book a consultation with one of our allergy specialist paediatricians so that your child can be assessed before testing is arranged. This ensures the most appropriate tests are selected.
Yes. All allergy tests and food challenges are carried out in a controlled hospital environment, with experienced clinicians and nurses monitoring your child throughout the process.
If testing confirms your child is not allergic, the food can usually be safely introduced into their diet, helping to expand dietary choices and reduce unnecessary restrictions.
An oral food challenge is a test where a child consumes small amounts of a suspected allergen under medical supervision to confirm whether they are allergic.
Yes. Children must be referred by an allergy specialist following a detailed consultation and allergy testing. Please book an appointment with one of our paediatricians who specialise in allergies so that your child can be assessed and referred if appropriate.
Most children will have skin prick tests and/or blood tests to assess the likelihood of allergy before a challenge is arranged.