Allergy Test Cost UK 2026: Skin Prick, Blood Test & Home Kit Prices

How much does an allergy test cost in the UK? A skin prick test at a private allergy clinic costs £150 to £350, a specific IgE blood test costs £50 to £150, and home test kits range from £49 to £299. NHS allergy testing is free but wait times can be lengthy.

Allergy test prices by type

| Test type | Typical cost | Where | Results | |-----------|-------------|-------|---------| | Skin prick test | £150–£350 | Allergy clinic | 15–20 minutes | | Specific IgE blood test | £50–£150 | Blood draw (clinic or home kit) | 2–5 working days | | Full allergy panel (blood) | £150–£350 | Clinic or home kit | 2–5 working days | | Home allergy test kit | £49–£299 | Finger prick at home | 5–10 working days | | Patch testing (contact allergy) | £200–£400 | Dermatology clinic | 48–96 hours (multiple visits) | | Component-resolved diagnostics | £200–£500 | Specialist allergy centre | 5–10 working days |

What each test type detects

Skin prick test

The gold standard for IgE-mediated allergy diagnosis. A tiny amount of allergen extract is placed on your forearm and the skin is pricked through the drop. A positive reaction (a raised, itchy bump called a wheal) appears within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Best for: food allergies, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, insect venom
• Pros: fast results, tests many allergens at once, high accuracy
• Cons: must be done in clinic, must stop antihistamines 3 to 7 days before, small risk of allergic reaction (performed under medical supervision)

IgE blood test (specific IgE / RAST)

A blood sample is tested in a laboratory for IgE antibodies to specific allergens. Can be done via venous blood draw or a finger-prick home kit.

• Best for: when skin prick testing is not possible (severe eczema, cannot stop antihistamines, very young children)
• Pros: no need to stop medication, can be done at home, no risk of allergic reaction during test
• Cons: slower results, slightly less sensitive than skin prick for some allergens

Full allergy panel

A comprehensive blood test covering 20 to 40+ common allergens in one draw. Typically includes common food allergens, tree and grass pollen, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander.

• Best for: when you are unsure what is triggering symptoms and want broad screening
• Typical cost: £150–£350

Patch testing

Used specifically for contact allergies (allergic contact dermatitis) — reactions to metals, fragrances, preservatives, latex, and other substances that touch the skin. Patches containing allergens are applied to the back and readings are taken at 48 and 96 hours.

• Best for: eczema or rashes triggered by skin contact
• Cost: £200–£400 (requires 2 to 3 clinic visits)

Provider comparison

| Provider | Test types | Starting price | How it works | |----------|-----------|---------------|-------------| | London Allergy & Immunology Centre | Skin prick, IgE blood, patch testing | From £200 (consultation + testing) | In-clinic with consultant allergist | | BMI Healthcare | Skin prick, IgE blood, panels | From £180 (test only) | In-clinic, consultant-led | | Spire Healthcare | Skin prick, IgE blood, patch testing | From £150 (test only) | In-clinic, specialist referral | | Medichecks | IgE blood panels | From £39 (individual) / £149 (panel) | Home finger-prick kit or clinic draw | | LetsGetChecked | IgE blood panels | From £69 | Home finger-prick kit | | Rightangled | IgE blood panels | From £59 | Home finger-prick kit |

When you need a specialist vs a home kit

Choose a specialist allergy clinic if:

• You have experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, throat swelling, breathing difficulty)
• You suspect a drug allergy or insect venom allergy
• Your child has multiple suspected food allergies
• You need supervised food challenges to confirm or rule out allergy
• You have severe eczema that may be triggered by contact allergens
• You want a comprehensive assessment with treatment planning (immunotherapy, action plans)

A home test kit may be sufficient if:

• You want to screen for common allergens (pollen, dust mites, common foods)
• Your symptoms are mild to moderate (hay fever, mild skin reactions)
• You want to prioritise which allergens to discuss with your GP or allergist
• NHS wait times are long and you want preliminary results

NHS allergy testing

Allergy testing is available free on the NHS through your GP:

• Your GP can arrange specific IgE blood tests for suspected allergens directly
• For skin prick testing or specialist assessment, your GP refers you to an NHS allergy clinic
• Current waiting times for NHS allergy clinic appointments are typically 6 to 12 months, though this varies by region
• Some areas have very limited NHS allergy services — check your local trust's availability

If your symptoms are severe or you have had an anaphylactic reaction, ask your GP for an urgent referral. You should also be prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) while waiting.

What to expect at an allergy clinic appointment

A private allergy consultation typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and includes:

1. Detailed history — symptoms, timing, suspected triggers, family history
2. Testing — skin prick test and/or blood tests as appropriate
3. Diagnosis — explanation of results and what they mean for you
4. Management plan — allergen avoidance advice, medication, and whether immunotherapy is appropriate
5. Written report — sent to you and your GP

The consultation fee (£150–£300) usually includes skin prick testing for a standard panel. Additional blood tests may be charged separately.

Compare allergy testing prices

Related guides

• Food Intolerance Test UK — IgG tests, what the evidence says, and what to do instead
• Private Blood Tests UK — how at-home blood testing works
• Best Home Blood Test Kits UK — Medichecks, Forth, and Thriva compared