Test Category · London
Environmental Allergy Test London
Private blood testing for the airborne allergens that drive UK hay fever, allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma — pollens, dust mite, mould and pet dander. Featuring Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero — £366) and the Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile — £355, taken from a single venous sample at our nurse-led South Kensington clinic.
🚨 If you are having an acute asthma attack, this is not the right route — call 999
A blood test is a planned diagnostic step, not an emergency service. If you (or someone with you) cannot speak in full sentences, are turning blue, are using all your reliever inhaler with no improvement, or have collapsed, call 999 immediately. See our asthma information page and anaphylaxis page for warning signs.
What Is an Environmental Allergy Test?
An environmental allergy test — sometimes called an aeroallergen or inhalant allergy test — measures specific IgE antibodies in your blood against the airborne allergens that most commonly drive hay fever, year-round allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. That typically means tree pollens (birch, oak, plane), grass pollens (Timothy and ryegrass dominate in the UK), weed pollens (nettle, ragweed, mugwort), house dust mite, outdoor and indoor moulds (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus) and pet dander (cat, dog and — for riders — horse).
Our two headline panels — Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero Allergen) and the Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile — both deliver structured airborne-allergy results from a single venous sample in around 2 working days. For deeper questions ("is my birch allergy mostly Bet v 1 or Bet v 2?") we also offer component-resolved single-allergen panels for birch, grass, dust mite and mould.
As a CQC-registered, nurse-led diagnostic-only service, our role is to take a high-quality sample, generate a clearly formatted laboratory report, and release the results to you so you can share them with your GP or allergy specialist for clinical interpretation.
Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero Allergen)
£366 · 2-day turnaround · single venous sample
The broadest single-sample airborne-allergen screen tailored to UK exposure. Measures Total IgE plus specific IgE against:
- · Alternaria
- · Aspergillus
- · Birch pollen
- · Cat dander
- · Cladosporium
- · Common ragweed
- · D. farinae (mite)
- · Dog dander
- · House dust mite
- · Horse dander
- · Timothy grass
Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile
£355 · 2-day turnaround · single venous sample
A respiratory-focused panel for patients whose dominant complaint is rhinitis or allergic asthma. Measures Total IgE plus specific IgE against:
- · Cat dander
- · Dog dander
- · Silver birch
- · Timothy grass
- · D. pteronyssinus (mite)
- · Alternaria alternata
- · Aspergillus fumigatus
- · Cladosporium
London Pollen & Aeroallergen Calendar
A general guide to the airborne-allergen seasons that affect Greater London. Actual start, peak and end dates shift each year with weather, and the urban microclimate of central London (the "urban heat island" effect) can extend pollen seasons compared with the surrounding South East. Always check the live UK Met Office pollen forecast for current counts.
| Aeroallergen | Typical London season | Why it matters here | Test pointer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree pollen — hazel, alder, elm | Jan – Mar | Early-season trees. Usually a lower-intensity start to the year in London, but can surprise hay-fever sufferers who think their symptoms are still a winter cold. | Birch Components or Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero). |
| Tree pollen — silver birch | Late Mar – mid-May | The big one for London. Birch is the dominant tree pollen in central London (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens are typical sources). Also drives most pollen-food (oral allergy) symptoms. | Birch Components panel (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Bet v 4) for risk stratification. |
| Tree pollen — oak, plane, ash | Apr – May | London plane is everywhere in the city — Bloomsbury, Embankment, the parks. Symptom overlap with birch and grass at the season transition. | Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero) for a broad tree + grass picture. |
| Grass pollen — Timothy, ryegrass, meadow | Mid-May – Jul | The classic UK hay-fever season. Counts peak on warm dry mornings; London "rush hour" is often the worst window. Affects ~ 1 in 4 UK adults to some degree. | Timothy Grass Components (Phl p 1, 5, 7, 12) and/or Allergy Profile 2. |
| Weed pollen — nettle, plantain, mugwort, ragweed | Jun – Sep | Often missed because it overlaps with grass and gets blamed on grass. Mugwort and ragweed can cause significant late-summer symptoms. | Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero) includes common ragweed; ALEX² covers more weeds. |
| Mould spores — Alternaria, Cladosporium | Jul – Oct | Outdoor mould spores peak in late summer / early autumn — often called the "second hay-fever season". Symptoms after warm damp days, near grass cuttings or compost. | Alternaria Components / Aspergillus Components, or Profile 2 (UK Aero). |
| House dust mite (perennial) | All year, worse Sep – Apr | Year-round indoor exposure, but symptoms worsen in winter with closed windows and central heating. Classic morning sneezing and nasal blockage on waking. | House Dust Mite Components (Der p 1, 2, 10, 23) for component-level risk. |
| Pet dander — cat, dog, horse (perennial) | All year | Cat dander in particular is sticky, airborne and travels on clothing — even non-pet households often have detectable levels. Horse dander becomes relevant for riders in Hyde Park and beyond. | Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile includes cat & dog; ALEX² adds horse and rabbit. |
| Indoor mould (perennial) | All year, worse Oct – Mar | Damp London flats, bathrooms with poor ventilation and basement conversions are typical sources. Symptoms can mimic perennial dust-mite allergy. | Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile or single Aspergillus / Alternaria components. |
Source guidance: UK Met Office Pollen Forecast and Worldwide Allergy Organisation regional UK overviews. This calendar is for general orientation and does not constitute medical advice — your GP or allergy specialist interprets test results in the context of your individual exposure pattern.
Environmental Allergy Tests We Offer
Our two headline panels appear first, followed by single-allergen component tests (cheapest first) and broader multiplex options. Click any test for the full description, sample type and turnaround time.
Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero Allergen)
Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile
Total IgE
Alternaria Components
Polcalcins
House Dust Mite Components
Birch Components
Aspergillus Components
Timothy Grass Components
Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Profile (14 allergens)
ALEX³ Allergy Test (Venous)
Allergy Profile 1 (Food & Inhalants)
Which Environmental Test Is Right for You?
The summary below is for general orientation only. Your GP or allergy specialist can advise on the most appropriate panel for your symptom pattern.
| If you... | A common starting point |
|---|---|
| Have classic hay fever and want a single broad UK airborne screen | Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero) |
| Have respiratory symptoms (wheeze, cough, allergic asthma) as your dominant complaint | Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile |
| Worst symptoms in April / May (London plane & birch season) and itchy mouth with raw fruit | Birch Components panel — see also oral allergy syndrome |
| Year-round morning sneezing on waking, worse in winter with central heating | House Dust Mite Components |
| Late-summer worsening after warm damp days, compost or grass cutting | Alternaria Components and/or Aspergillus Components |
| Want both food and inhalant allergens in one sample | Allergy Profile 1 (Food & Inhalants) or ALEX² / ALEX³ |
| Are preparing for an immunotherapy specialist appointment | Component tests (birch / grass / dust mite) for baseline detail |
How Testing Works
Choose Your Test
Select from our range of allergy blood tests and book a convenient time at our South Kensington clinic. No GP referral needed.
Nurse Blood Draw
A qualified nurse takes a small blood sample at our clinic. The appointment is quick and straightforward.
Get Your Results
Results are sent directly to you, typically within a few working days. Share them with your GP or specialist to guide your next steps.
Transparent Pricing
- → Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero) £366 — 11-allergen airborne screen, 2-day turnaround.
- → Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile £355 — respiratory-focused panel, 2-day turnaround.
- → Component panels (birch, grass, dust mite, mould) start from £81 when you already know the likely culprit and want deeper risk stratification.
- → Each price is the all-inclusive fee for the laboratory test, sample collection by a registered nurse at our South Kensington clinic and a written laboratory report.
- → No GP referral is required. You can book directly online.
- → We do not charge for the appointment itself — only for the test you choose.
- → All prices are inclusive of VAT where applicable.
We cannot guarantee that private testing will be reimbursed by insurance providers — please check with your insurer before booking.
Our Role in the Diagnostic Pathway
AllergyClinic.co.uk is a CQC-registered, nurse-led diagnostic service. All blood samples are taken by registered nurses experienced in allergy testing pathways, processed by an accredited laboratory, and returned to you as a clearly formatted report. We do not diagnose hay fever, allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma; we do not prescribe medication (including inhalers, nasal sprays or antihistamines); we do not start, supervise or alter any asthma management plan or immunotherapy course; and we do not provide dietetic, occupational-health or environmental-remediation advice.
A typical UK pathway for environmental allergy is: GP review → structured aeroallergen blood testing → allergy or respiratory specialist referral if symptoms are severe, poorly controlled or being considered for immunotherapy → individualised management plan. Private blood testing through our clinic can be a useful intermediate step to bring well-organised laboratory results to your GP or specialist appointment.
Individual results vary, and the same laboratory result may have different clinical meaning depending on the person and their exposure pattern — please do not change medication, dispose of pets, or undertake major home modifications based on a test result without discussing it with a qualified clinician first.
Why Choose a Diagnostic-Only Clinic?
Unlike clinics that provide both testing and treatment, our nurse-led service focuses solely on accurate diagnostic testing. Because we don't offer treatments or prescriptions, there is no commercial incentive to recommend unnecessary tests — just honest, impartial results you can trust.
Nurse-Led & Impartial
Our qualified nurses collect your sample — we don't prescribe, treat, or have any reason to upsell.
Results You Own
Your results are sent directly to you. Take them to your GP or a specialist to discuss what's best for your situation.
You Stay in Control
Understand your allergy profile, then decide with your healthcare professional what steps to take next.
Related Conditions
Related Reading
- → Pollen Count UK: How to Read the Forecast for Your Area
- → London Parks: Identifying Specific Tree Triggers in Hyde Park
- → The Second Allergy Season: Why Autumn Brings Weed Pollen & Spores
- → Urban Heat Islands: Why South Kensington's Pollen Season Is Longer
- → Thunderstorm Asthma: London Weather & Pollen Grains
- → Winter Mould vs Summer Spores: Cladosporium vs Alternaria
- → Tube Cough: London Underground Dust vs Dust Mite Allergy
- → Preparing for Immunotherapy: London Baseline Blood Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an environmental allergy blood test?
An environmental — or 'aeroallergen' — allergy test measures specific IgE antibodies in your blood against the airborne allergens that most commonly drive hay fever, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic asthma in the UK. That typically means tree and grass pollens, weed pollens, house dust mite, mould spores and animal dander. Our two headline panels — Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero) and the Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile — are both designed for this scenario.
What's the difference between Profile 2 (UK Aero) and the Rhinitis/Asthma Profile?
Both panels are 2-day turnaround, single-sample blood tests. Allergy Profile 2 (UK Aero, £366) is the broader airborne screen — 11 allergens including ragweed and horse dander. The Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile (£355) is more tightly focused on the respiratory phenotype (rhinitis + asthma) and includes a slightly different selection emphasising mould. Most people choose Profile 2 for a general UK overview; the Rhinitis/Asthma Profile is often chosen when respiratory symptoms are the dominant complaint. Your GP can advise.
Should I stop taking my hay-fever medication before the test?
No. Unlike skin-prick testing, IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) or by nasal steroid sprays. You can continue your usual hay-fever and asthma medication right up to the appointment. There is no need to fast.
Do I need to be having symptoms when I am tested?
No. Specific IgE antibodies remain measurable in the blood throughout the year, so you can test in the middle of pollen season or in mid-winter — the result will be the same. Many people find it most useful to test outside their worst season so they have results in hand for the year ahead.
Can a blood test tell me whether my symptoms are from pollen or dust mite?
It can give a strong steer. If your IgE is highly positive for grass and dust mite is negative, your symptoms are very likely seasonal pollen-driven; if dust mite is strongly positive and pollens are negative, perennial indoor exposure is the more likely driver. Many UK patients are polysensitised (positive to both), in which case a clinician interprets the results alongside the timing and pattern of your symptoms.
Will the test help me with immunotherapy decisions?
Allergen immunotherapy (sublingual or subcutaneous) in the UK is started and supervised by an allergy specialist, not by our clinic. However, component-resolved IgE results — for example birch (Bet v 1) or timothy grass (Phl p 1, 5) — can be useful baseline information for a specialist deciding whether someone is likely to benefit. Bring your results to your specialist appointment; we do not start or supervise immunotherapy ourselves.
Do I need a GP referral, and will my insurance cover this?
No GP referral is required — you can book directly online. We cannot guarantee that private blood testing will be reimbursed by your insurance provider; please check with your insurer before booking. The price shown is the all-inclusive cost of the laboratory test, sample collection by a registered nurse, and a written laboratory report.
Can a positive result on its own diagnose an allergy?
No. A positive IgE result shows sensitisation — that your immune system has produced antibodies against that allergen. Up to a third of the UK general population are sensitised to one or more aeroallergens without ever developing clinical symptoms. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma is a clinical one, made by a GP or specialist who weighs the test result against your symptom pattern and history.
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Two private blood-test panels covering the full UK aeroallergen spectrum, plus component-resolved deep dives for the specific allergen behind your worst symptoms. Sample collected by a nurse at our South Kensington clinic — results released to you to share with your GP or allergy specialist.
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