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Frequently Asked Questions
We have complied a common list of FAQs for your reference
Allergy Test
The ALEX® Allergy Explorer is a cutting-edge and scientifically advanced in vitro allergy test that allows for simultaneous measurement of both total IgE and specific IgE against a wide range of allergen extracts and molecular allergens. Utilizing nano-bead technology, it is considered the new gold standard for in vitro Type I allergy testing. With the ability to test for up to 295 allergens in just one blood sample, it is the most comprehensive test of its kind. This test is especially useful for individuals with multiple allergies as it can help identify cross-reactive allergen groups, such as profilins, LTPs, Tropomycins, or CCDs, which can assist in predicting the severity of future reactions and determining if desensitization immunotherapy would be beneficial.
An allergic reaction occurs when certain elements are present in the body. These elements include an allergen, which is the substance causing the allergy, and Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody produced by the immune system in response to the allergen. When an allergen enters the body of someone with an allergy, the immune system produces a large amount of IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach to cells called mastocytes, which are found in the skin, nose, and bronchia. Repeated exposure to the same allergen leads to an increase in the amount of IgE antibodies that attach to the allergen on the mastocytes. This causes the mastocytes to release chemical mediators, particularly histamine, which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Common environmental allergens that can cause respiratory allergies include pollen from plants, dust mites, and spores from fungi.
The test for allergies measures a patient’s sensitization status through in vitro multiplex testing. The results show the measurement of the patient’s total IgE, which indicates if an allergy is likely, possible or unlikely. The test also measures specific IgE against 295 allergen extracts and molecular allergens, which gives a detailed profile of the possible allergens causing symptoms. However, any diagnosis, positive or negative, should be confirmed by consulting a specialist.
This test is appropriate for all ages, but it is recommended that blood tests for children under 5 be administered by a nurse or other medical professional.
- 1 sample tube for your blood sample
- Alcohol pads to keep everything clean and sterile
- Lancets to prick your finger for the sample collection
- 1 transport tube to protect your sample tube
- 1 prepaid return envelope to mail your sample back to our lab
- Detailed instructions for use
We take great care to ensure that all kits are thoroughly inspected and checked for missing parts before they are sent out to our customers. However, if you do happen to receive an incomplete kit, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team for assistance. We will be more than happy to help resolve any issues you may have.
The test result are not affected by medications or your diet at the time of doing the tests, fasting is not required.
Read through our step-by-step instructions
- GET STARTED
Set aside about 30 minutes for the collection of your sample. Put the kit on a clean surface in front of you. Stick the sample tube upright into the prepared slot. Select a finger for the collection of your sample, for example the index or middle finger of your non-dominant hand.
Tips to help your blood flow
- Drink 2 cups of water about 30 minutes before taking the test
- Do gentle exercise for 1 minute if you can
- Clench and release your fist for a minute
- Keep your hand lower than your chest throughout the process if you can
- WARM HANDS
Warm your hands under warm water for 2-3 minutes to stimulate blood flow, then dry them thoroughly.
- CLEAN FINGERTIP
Sanitise the fingertip of your previously selected finger with an alcohol pad from your kit.
- PRICK FINGER
Take one of the lancets in your kit and remove the cap by twisting the tip. Place the tip of the lancet against your cleaned fingertip. Press your fingertip against the device until it’s activated. Don’t worry, you won’t see a needle.
- COLLECT SAMPLE
Wipe away the first drop of blood with another alcohol wipe from your kit. Gently massage your finger and drip blood into the sample tube until the indicated amount is reached. This might take several minutes.
- FINISH UP
After successfully collecting your sample, apply an adhesive bandage to your finger. Close the sample tube by pushing the cap back onto it until it clicks. Let it rest upright for 15 minutes.
- RETURN SAMPLE
Place the closed sample tube into the transport tube from the kit. Close the transport tube and put it into the prepaid return envelope and promptly send it back to our lab for testing.
It is important to use the lancets provided in your kit when collecting your blood sample. Using any other sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, is not recommended as it is not sanitary and can lead to injury. Additionally, some individuals may experience vasovagal syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, when seeing blood. If you have a history of fainting, it is best to have someone else collect the blood sample for you.
It is important to send your blood sample back to the laboratory as soon as possible after it has been collected. A delay in sending the sample can make it difficult or even impossible for the lab to process it. To ensure that your sample can be tested correctly, we recommend dropping off your return envelope on the same day as the blood collection. This will help to ensure that your sample remains viable for testing.
Upon receiving your blood sample, our laboratory follows a series of protocols to ensure that it is suitable for testing. This includes checking for any damages and verifying that there is an adequate amount of blood to conduct the requested test. If the sample passes these evaluations, it is then prepared for analysis. After the analysis, a physician reviews the results and approves them before they are sent to you. Typically, results are delivered within 10 business days of the lab receiving the sample. However, keep in mind that postal delays may occur.
The lab report will give you a comprehensive summary of detectable sensitivities in your blood.
Your lab report will be emailed to you in the form of a downloadable PDF document. If necessary, you can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to review your results and determine appropriate treatment options, including medication, immunotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a personalized plan. It is important to note that self-medication is not recommended.
As experts in the field of immunodiagnostics, our laboratory uses the latest scientific techniques and state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate, reliable, and affordable allergy and sensitization testing for every patient. Unlike other methods on the market, our test, the ALEX Test, offers a comprehensive allergen and food antigen panel, and also includes a mechanism that filters out false-positive results.
It is important to note that traditional skin allergy tests can often produce false-positive results, leading to incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary treatment. Our test, based on molecular immunodiagnostics, eliminates the possibility of false-positive results by not allowing sugar molecules to send false signals during evaluation. Our method has been validated by multiple global scientific studies and publications. Trust in our test for accurate and reliable results.
If the laboratory is unable to test the sample you’ve sent, we will inform you via email and ask for your preferred course of action. This could happen due to an insufficient sample size, sample deterioration or clotted or haemolyzed samples. A replacement kit will be charged at an additional cost of £25.
There are several potential issues that can arise when a laboratory receives a blood sample for testing. These include clotted samples, haemolysed samples, insufficient samples, and samples that are too old. Clotted samples occur when the blood is not mixed thoroughly after collection, or if it has clotted before mixing takes place. Haemolysed samples occur when some of the red blood cells burst, releasing their contents and spoiling the sample. Insufficient samples occur when the container is under-filled and there is not enough blood to produce enough plasma for analysis. Samples that are too old may not be usable for testing if they have been delayed in the post. To avoid these issues, we recommend taking care when collecting your sample, ensuring that it is mixed thoroughly, and sending it as soon as possible using a tracked postage method to avoid delays.
A finger prick blood test may cause some side effects, including bruising, infection, pain, and fainting. To minimize bruising and swelling, it is recommended to use an ice pack after the test. To prevent infection, it is important to clean the area with the provided antibacterial wipe and cover it with a plaster. Some discomfort or pain in the fingertips is normal but should subside within a few days. If feeling faint or dizzy during the test, it is important to stop the test and sit or lie down, raising the legs may also help. It is also recommended to have someone present during the test if you have a history of fainting.
We recommend collecting your sample in the morning between Monday and Thursday so that you can make sure that you meet that day’s post and the sample isn’t in a post box over the weekend.
If you have any additional questions that were not answered in this FAQ, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team for assistance.
Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing an allergen extract under the tongue, either by tablets or drops.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy involves having a series of injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy) over a period of three to five years. Due to the availability of safe oral options, injection immunotherapy is rarely needed.
The specific product used for your treatment will be determined based on your clinical history and results from allergy testing. Typically, treatment begins a few months prior to the typical onset of symptoms (if the allergy is related to pollen) and is continued for a period of three years.
Because SLIT works by altering the immune system, its benefits would be expected to continue even after the treatment is completed. Studies have also shown that it may decrease the likelihood of developing new allergies and asthma.
Immunotherapy is the only treatment option that can address the root cause of an allergy, while alternative treatments such as antihistamines and steroid-based medications can only alleviate symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. Furthermore, they may come with potential side effects. Immunotherapy involves the gradual exposure to increasing amounts of the allergen, which can lead to a decrease in sensitivity and symptoms over time, and can also decrease the need for symptom-relieving medication
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) has been found to be an effective treatment option for hay fever. Studies have shown that 80-85% of patients who undergo SLIT for hay fever report significant improvement in their symptoms during the first year of treatment, and this improvement tends to continue throughout the treatment period and decreasing the need for medication to manage allergies.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a form of treatment that has been found to be effective in improving symptoms of allergies and reducing the need for traditional treatments, such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays. This treatment approach can help to build up a patient’s tolerance to allergens by administering small doses of the allergen under the tongue. Additionally, SLIT may prevent the development of new allergies and decrease the risk of asthma.
This type of treatment may be beneficial for individuals who:
- Seek a long-term solution for their allergies
- Cannot avoid their allergy triggers (e.g. pollen, dust, pets)
- Experience side effects or reduced effectiveness from allergy medication
- Wish to decrease their medication use
- Have allergic asthma and wish to decrease their use of asthma medication.
SLIT is considered a safe and effective treatment option for allergies and it’s a convenient way of administering the treatment as it can be done at home. It’s a good alternative for those who can’t tolerate or don’t respond well to traditional methods
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a treatment option that is typically recommended for individuals whose allergy symptoms are not well-controlled by standard medications and are impacting their quality of life and daily functioning such as socialising, working, or sleeping.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is considered a safe and effective treatment option for allergies, with a low risk of severe reactions. In 1998, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized SLIT as a viable alternative to injection therapy, and its use in clinical practice is widely accepted.
Multiple studies from around the world have confirmed the safety of SLIT for the treatment of rhinitis and asthma caused by allergies to dust mites, grass, ragweed, cat dander, and tree pollens. Severe reactions are uncommon, and side effects are usually mild and temporary.
SLIT is safe for both adults and children, as confirmed by numerous studies over the past decade. The WHO has endorsed SLIT as a safe and effective alternative to injection therapy, making it a viable treatment option for patients of all ages.
It is important to note that access to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is currently very limited and not available in most areas. If you are interested in exploring this treatment option, it is recommended to discuss it with your GP or specialist within the NHS. They will be able to advise you on the availability and suitability of SLIT for your specific allergy condition
The cost of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can vary, but on average it is typically around £125-£150 per month.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is generally considered safe and does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, as with any medical treatment, it is important to consult a doctor if you have any doubts about your ability to do so.
Some sublingual immunotherapy products contain a small amount of fish gelatin as an ingredient. Fish gelatin is commonly used as a thickening agent in a variety of food and medical products.
Whilst there is limited research on the effects of sublingual immunotherapy during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid starting the treatment during this time. However, if a patient is already undergoing treatment before becoming pregnant, they can continue the course of therapy with the guidance of a medical professional. Similarly, there is no data available on the effects of sublingual immunotherapy during breastfeeding, but it is not expected to have any negative impact on breastfed babies. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if sublingual immunotherapy is safe and appropriate for you.
It is important to inform a doctor before starting sublingual immunotherapy if you have any of the following conditions: severe asthma, illnesses that affect the immune system, severe inflammation of the mouth, or cancer. Additionally, special precautions should be taken if you have recently undergone oral surgery or extraction, have a severe fish allergy, or have had an allergic reaction to an injection of grass pollen allergen. These concerns can be discussed during an initial assessment consultation.
Sublingual immunotherapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, however, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include mouth itching and an irritating sensation in the throat, which usually resolve within 20 minutes of taking the dose. Other common side effects include headache, prickling or numbness of the skin, itching in the eyes or ears, nasal discomfort, and stomach pain or discomfort. These side effects are typically mild and short-lived, but if they are severe or persistent, it is important to consult a doctor.
In rare cases, sublingual immunotherapy can cause more serious side effects such as rapid swelling of the face, mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hives, or worsening of asthma symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to note that sublingual immunotherapy should not be taken if you have open sores, cuts or ulcers in your mouth or if you are undergoing dental procedures that cause bleeding. You should wait until your mouth has healed before resuming treatment.
It is important to follow the prescribed treatment schedule for sublingual immunotherapy to achieve the best results. Missing a dose may not cause any immediate side effects, but it can lead to a return of allergy symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose on the same day to make up for missed doses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment schedule.
It is also important to follow the dosage instructions provided. Taking a higher dose than prescribed may increase the risk of side effects and may not provide any additional benefit. If you accidentally take a larger dose than recommended and are getting side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away for guidance. They will advise you on the appropriate course of action, which may include taking an antihistamine to manage any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
If you have any additional questions that were not answered in this FAQ, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team for assistance.
It is important to follow proper administration guidelines when taking sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) treatment. After taking the treatment, it is essential to avoid swallowing for the first minute and to not consume any food or drink for five minutes afterwards. This is to ensure that the treatment is properly absorbed under the tongue, and to avoid dilution or neutralisation of the treatment to help optimise the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure the best possible outcome.
