Allergy Testing Services at Redwood Pharmacy

Identify likely triggers for hay fever, pet allergy, dust mites, and common food allergies using a simple blood test.

Do you suffer from unexplained hives, swelling, or respiratory issues? At Redwood Pharmacy, we partnered with Randox Health to provide comprehensive, IgE-mediated allergy testing via a simple blood sample. Our tiered panel approach allows for accurate identification of sensitisations to common inhalant and food allergens, empowering you to tailor your lifestyle and treatment.

Allergy Blood Test Panels (IgE)

First-Line Allergy Screen £270

Best starting point for most people
A focused panel covering the most common allergy triggers seen in everyday practice — including pets, dust mite, grass/tree pollen, and key foods.
Ideal if you have hay fever–type symptoms or are unsure where to start.

Enhanced Allergy Panel £330

For broader symptom patterns
Builds on the first-line screen by adding additional foods, pollens, and environmental allergens.
Well suited if symptoms persist despite a negative basic screen, or if multiple triggers are suspected.

Complete Allergy Panel£595

The most comprehensive option
A wide-ranging panel testing 60+ allergens across foods, pollens, animals, moulds, and environmental sources.
Best for complex cases, long-standing symptoms, or when you want the fullest possible overview.

Food Allergy Panel £510

Focused on food-related reactions
Targets common IgE-mediated food allergens such as nuts, dairy, egg, seafood, wheat, and soy.
Helpful if symptoms occur soon after eating — such as hives, itching, swelling, or breathing symptoms.

Pollen & Environmental Panel £330

For seasonal or airborne symptoms
Concentrates on tree, grass, and weed pollens, along with key environmental allergens.
Ideal for people with classic seasonal hay fever, itchy eyes, sneezing, or asthma flare-ups.

Pet & Animal Dander Allergy Panel £270

Best for: Ongoing sneezing, itchy eyes, wheeze, cough, or eczema that may be triggered by animals.

This panel tests for IgE-mediated allergy to common household and animal danders — including cat, dog, cow, horse, hamster, guinea pig, and rabbit — alongside Total IgE.

It’s particularly useful if symptoms worsen at home, around pets, on farms, or after visiting friends with animals, helping to distinguish true allergy from infection or environmental irritation.

Includes: Animal-specific IgE + Total IgE

Why a Laboratory IgE Blood Test Is More Reliable Than Finger-Prick Allergy Tests

Not all allergy tests are created equal. Laboratory-based IgE blood testing is widely regarded as the gold-standard first-line test in clinical practice — and here’s why.

1. Measured in an accredited laboratory

IgE blood tests are analysed in UK-accredited pathology laboratories using validated immunoassay technology. This means:

• • Standardised methods

• • Strict quality control

• • Reproducible, comparable results

Finger-prick tests are often processed on portable or mail-in devices, which can vary significantly in accuracy.

2. Objective, numerical results (not guesswork)

IgE testing provides:

• • Exact numerical values

• • Clear reference ranges

• • Clinically recognised thresholds

Many finger-prick tests rely on colour intensity or semi-quantitative scoring, which introduces subjectivity.

3. Not affected by antihistamines or eczema

IgE blood tests:

• • Can be done while taking antihistamines

• • Are suitable if you have eczema, rashes, or sensitive skin

Skin-based or finger-prick tests often need antihistamines stopped and can be unreliable if the skin barrier is inflamed.

4. Safer for patients at higher risk

IgE blood testing:

• • Does not expose you directly to allergens

• • Carries no risk of triggering a reaction

Finger-prick and skin tests involve allergen contact and are avoided in people with a history of severe reactions.

5. Clinically meaningful — used by doctors and specialists

IgE blood tests are:

• • Used routinely by GPs, hospital clinics, and allergists

• • Suitable for referral, shared care, and medical records

Many finger-prick tests are marketed for “wellness” use and may not align with NHS or specialist pathways.

6. Clear distinction between allergy and intolerance

IgE testing specifically looks for Type I (immediate) allergy — the kind that can cause hives, swelling, wheeze, or anaphylaxis.

Finger-prick and rapid tests are sometimes confused with:

• • IgG “food sensitivity” tests

• • Non-allergic intolerances

These are not the same thing and are interpreted very differently in medicine.

If you want a test that is:
Medically recognised
Objective and reproducible
Safe
Interpretable alongside symptoms

Laboratory IgE blood testing is the most reliable place to start.

How it works

1. 1. Book your appointment

1. 1. Blood sample taken in pharmacy (quick venous draw)

1. 1. Sample sent to the lab

1. 1. Results reported and shared with you

1. 1. We help you understand what it means and what to do next (avoidance tips, treatment options, and when to seek GP/allergy referral)

FAQs 

What’s the difference between allergy and intolerance?
Allergy is typically IgE-mediated and can cause rapid symptoms. Intolerance is not IgE-mediated and often causes delayed digestive symptoms. IgE testing does not detect intolerance. 

If IgE is positive, does that mean I’m definitely allergic?
Not always. It shows sensitisation. Symptoms and timing still matter. 

Does a negative test rule out allergy?
No — it reduces likelihood for the allergens tested, but you could react to something not included, or have a non-IgE condition.

Does the number tell me how severe my allergy is?
No. IgE levels don’t reliably predict reaction severity. 

Call 999 immediately if you ever have symptoms of anaphylaxis: breathing difficulty, throat swelling, collapse, or severe widespread rash after exposure to a suspected allergen.