Find out what's causing
your allergic reactions —
from home.

An environmental allergy is an IgE-mediated immune response to substances found in your surroundings — rather than in food. Common environmental allergens include tree, grass and weed pollens (responsible for hay fever), animal dander from cats, dogs and horses, house dust mites living in bedding and carpets, and mould spores found in damp environments. When your immune system identifies one of these as a threat, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, rhinitis, asthma and skin reactions.

Both are IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but triggered by different sources. Environmental allergies are caused by airborne or contact allergens in your surroundings — pollens, pet dander, dust mites and moulds. Food allergies are triggered by proteins in specific foods. This test screens for both: 19 environmental allergens as the primary focus, and 23 food allergens as a secondary panel. A positive result for either type indicates immune sensitisation to that specific allergen.

A true allergy involves the immune system producing specific IgE antibodies, causing rapid reactions — often within minutes — that can range from mild (sneezing, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). A food intolerance typically involves IgG4 antibodies and causes delayed, chronic symptoms such as bloating, fatigue and brain fog, usually hours or days after eating the trigger food. This test measures IgE antibodies and is therefore an allergy test. If you suspect delayed food intolerance symptoms, our separate Food Intolerance Test may be more appropriate.

The kit includes a small sterile lancet — a spring-loaded pin — that pricks the tip of your finger to collect 2–3 drops of blood. The sample is placed into the provided collection tube, sealed in the return pouch and posted back using the included freepost envelope. The process takes less than 5 minutes and most people find the lancet virtually painless. Full illustrated step-by-step instructions are included in the kit.

Once your blood sample arrives at the laboratory, results are typically ready within 7 days. You will receive your results by email, presented in a clear colour-coded format showing your specific IgE reactivity level to each of the 42 allergens tested. Please allow for postal delivery time when estimating when your results will arrive.

The test is suitable for adults and children aged 4 years and over. It is not suitable for customers who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a previously diagnosed severe allergy (such as anaphylaxis to peanuts or bee stings) or already carry an EpiPen, please consult your GP before ordering. If you are taking antihistamines, this should not significantly affect IgE blood test results — unlike skin prick testing.

No. The test kit and freepost return envelope are only available within the United Kingdom. The prepaid return label is valid for UK postage only. We are unable to send kits to or process samples from outside the UK.

Your results will show which allergens triggered an IgE response and at what level. For environmental allergens, knowing your specific triggers allows you to take targeted steps — such as using HEPA air filters for dust mite allergy, keeping pets out of bedrooms for pet dander, or timing outdoor activity around pollen counts. We recommend sharing your results with your GP, particularly if any reactions are significant, as they can refer you for specialist allergy care or immunotherapy where appropriate.

A positive IgE result means your immune system has produced antibodies to that allergen — indicating sensitisation. This does not necessarily mean you will experience symptoms every time you are exposed, as the threshold for a clinical reaction varies between individuals and exposures. However, sensitisation to an allergen is clinically significant and worth discussing with your GP, especially if combined with a history of symptoms around that substance.

Unlike skin prick testing, which is directly affected by antihistamines, IgE blood tests measure antibodies in the blood and are not significantly impacted by antihistamine use. You do not need to stop taking antihistamines before collecting your sample. However, if you are on immunosuppressant medication, results may be less reliable — consult your GP first.

NHS allergy testing typically requires a GP referral to a specialist allergy clinic, which can involve lengthy waiting times. NHS testing may use skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests, but often screens a narrower range of allergens. Our at-home test offers a broad 42-allergen IgE screen — covering environmental and food allergens — that is available immediately, without any referral or clinic visit, with results in 7 days.