Part of the London Allergy Clinic
Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy - Since 1982
Allergy testing in children is different from allergy testing in adults — not just because children are smaller, but because the right test depends on age, symptoms, and what we're looking for. At The Paediatric Allergy Clinic, every testing decision is made by a consultant paediatrician who will explain exactly what we're doing and why, and results are discussed with you in the same appointment.
Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing is the most common method we use for children (and babies who have started weaning). A small amount of allergen extract is placed on the forearm and the skin is gently pricked — each prick takes only a second and is tolerated by most children. Results are visible within 15 to 20 minutes, meaning we can discuss them with you in the same appointment.
Skin prick testing is not suitable for babies who have not yet started weaning. For pre-weaning infants where allergy is suspected, a blood test is more appropriate. Your doctor can advise on this further.
For a skin prick test to be effective, antihistamines should be avoided for at least 72 hours beforehand.
Specific IgE Blood Tests
What We Do Not Offer
We do not currently offer oral food challenges, supervised allergen feeds or oral immunotherapy (desensitisation) for children at this clinic. Where these are clinically indicated, we will discuss onward referral options with you.
A specific IgE blood test measures the immune system's response to particular allergens in the blood. It can be used at any age, including newborns, and is often the preferred option where skin prick testing is not appropriate — for example pre-weaning babies, or where a child is unable to stop taking antihistamines.
In some cases we could use both methods together to build the clearest possible picture.
A full 1 hour appointment:
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Detailed history & assessment.
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Allergy testing available at the same time.
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Results and next steps clearly explained.
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Personalised management plan & prescriptions provided.
What to Expect at the Appointment
Your child's consultant will take a detailed clinical history before any testing begins.
Testing is carried out in the same appointment, results are explained clearly, and a written report covering the findings and any management plan will be emailed to you within a few working days.
Appointments are typically up to an hour. We see children from birth to age 18.
All paediatric appointments take place at our Marylebone clinic, 1 Orchard Street, London W1H 6HJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
To book an appointment or ask a question, call, email or WhatsApp us — a real person will always respond, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm
📞 0207 637 9711
✉ enquiries@londonallergyclinic.com