Nickel Allergy Testing
View All TestsWhat Is Nickel Allergy?
Nickel allergy is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. It affects approximately 10–15% of the population and is more common in women, often due to prolonged contact with nickel-containing jewellery, watches, or clothing fasteners.
Nickel is found in costume jewellery, belt buckles, watch straps, spectacle frames, coins, mobile phones, and even some foods (chocolate, nuts, legumes). Contact with nickel-containing items can cause localised itchy, red, sometimes blistering dermatitis at the point of contact.
While nickel allergy is traditionally diagnosed via patch testing (a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction), blood tests for nickel can provide supporting information. Results should be discussed with your GP or dermatologist.
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.
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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 Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a blood test enough to diagnose nickel allergy?
Nickel allergy is primarily a Type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reaction. The gold standard diagnostic test is patch testing, performed by a dermatologist. A serum nickel test can show elevated nickel levels but does not directly diagnose allergy. We recommend discussing results with your dermatologist.
Can I develop nickel allergy from ear piercings?
Yes. Ear piercings are one of the most common routes of nickel sensitisation, particularly when initial jewellery contains nickel. Once sensitised, any subsequent nickel contact may trigger dermatitis.
Do I need a GP referral for allergy testing?
No. You can book directly with our clinic without a GP referral. Simply choose your test and select a convenient appointment time. If you're unsure which test is right for your symptoms, our team can help guide your selection.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before a blood test?
No. Unlike skin prick testing, IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications. You can continue taking your regular medications before your appointment.
What should I do with my results?
As a diagnostic-only clinic, we provide results directly to you. We recommend sharing them with your GP or dermatologist for interpretation and to discuss whether formal patch testing is appropriate.
Investigate Nickel Sensitisation
Book a blood test at our South Kensington clinic
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