Allergy Complete - 295 allergens tested

Allergy Complete 295 is a laboratory-analysed ELISA multiplex IgE blood test that measures specific Immunoglobulin E reactions to 295 individual allergens — foods, pollens, mites, moulds, animal dander, insect venoms and more — booked at Ways Pharmacy (UK) from a finger-prick sample.

Key facts

What is screened

Allergens are grouped into the following panels: grass pollens; tree pollens; weed pollens; house dust and storage mites; moulds and yeasts; pet and animal dander (cat, dog, horse, rodents, livestock); insect and venom (bee, wasp, cockroach, fire ant); fruits; vegetables; legumes and nuts (including peanut, tree nuts, soy); cereals and seeds (including wheat, sesame); fish and seafood; meats; eggs; milks from multiple species; spices; latex; and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD).

Who it is for

• Adults and children with recurrent allergic symptoms — rhinitis, asthma, eczema, hives, oral allergy syndrome — and no confirmed trigger
• People who have had a previous suspected anaphylactic or severe reaction and want molecular-level identification of the responsible allergen
• People with multiple suspected food and environmental triggers who want a single comprehensive screen rather than sequential single-allergen tests
• People considering allergen immunotherapy who need confirmation of specific sensitisation

Not suitable for: diagnosing non-IgE-mediated reactions such as delayed Type IV hypersensitivity, food intolerances (e.g. lactose intolerance), coeliac disease, or non-immune food reactions; people with current severe eczema or active anaphylaxis (seek urgent clinical care first); use as a sole tool for diagnosing drug allergies.

How the service works

1. Complete payment online and call Ways Pharmacy Holborn London on 020 8106 7084 to book a sample-collection appointment.
2. Attend the Holborn branch (77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET). Sample collection is by finger-prick — no fasting is required.
3. The sample is sent to the partner laboratory for ELISA multiplex IgE analysis.
4. Results are returned approximately 10 working days after the sample is received by the lab.
5. You will receive a written report listing every allergen with a positive specific IgE result, plus total IgE. A pharmacist can discuss next steps and onward GP referral if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Results take approximately 10 working days from the date the laboratory receives your sample. This reflects the complexity of running an ELISA multiplex panel across 295 allergens and is normal for this type of test.

Do I need to stop antihistamines before the test?

No. Specific IgE blood testing is not affected by antihistamines, unlike skin-prick testing. You can continue your normal medications. The pharmacist will confirm at the appointment if any other medications might affect results.

What is the difference between extract and molecular allergens?

Extract allergens use the whole natural source (for example, peanut extract). Molecular (component) allergens measure IgE against specific proteins within the source (for example, Ara h 2 within peanut). Molecular components help distinguish genuine primary sensitisation from cross-reactivity with pollens, and can help estimate the risk of severe versus mild reactions.

Does this test diagnose food intolerance?

No. This test measures specific IgE antibodies, which mediate true allergy (Type I hypersensitivity). Lactose intolerance, FODMAP intolerance, and other non-immune food reactions are not detected by IgE testing. Coeliac disease also requires separate antibody testing.

Is the test reliable for diagnosing anaphylaxis triggers?

Specific IgE testing is a valuable tool for identifying potential triggers but is interpreted alongside clinical history. A positive specific IgE shows sensitisation, not necessarily clinical allergy. If you have had a severe reaction, this test is best used as part of an allergy specialist's assessment rather than in isolation.

Can children have this test?

Yes. The test uses a small finger-prick blood sample, which is suitable for older children. Please discuss with the pharmacist before booking if the patient is under 5 years old, as sample volume requirements may differ.

Safety

• Sample collection by a trained operator at a GPhC-registered pharmacy
• Test results are intended to support, not replace, clinical assessment by a GP or allergy specialist
• Severe allergic reactions can occur even when specific IgE is low; results do not override clinical history
• If you have had anaphylaxis, ensure you carry your prescribed adrenaline auto-injector at the appointment

References

• NHS — Allergies
• NHS — Anaphylaxis
• BSACI — Patient information on allergy

This test screens for IgE-mediated allergy only. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical history. This is a private laboratory service and is not an NHS test.