IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test
    IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test
    IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test
    IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test

£60
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This test detects IgE antibodies which are often raised in response to allergic reactions. It can sometimes help confirm an allergy when symptoms are present.

Allergy blood tests often produce false-positive results, indicating an allergy that may not actually exist. Therefore, we recommend keeping a diary of possible allergens you’ve been exposed to in the hours prior to the onset of symptoms. Sharing this with our doctors allows us to give you the most reliable interpretation.

  • Results estimated in 3 working days
  • Convenient testing options
  • Bespoke doctor’s report
  • Free delivery

Measures total IgE levels to assess allergic responses and immune system activity.

How do you want to take your sample?

  • Collect your own finger-prick blood sample at home  
    Free

    We’ll send you everything you need to collect your blood sample from your finger at home.

  • Book a venous draw at a clinic   Venous
    +£35

  • Book a venous draw at home with a nurse Venous
    +£59

  • Self-arrange a professional sample collection Venous
    Free

18+ Only. T&Cs apply.

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You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.

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What's in the test?

Immunity

Immunoglobulin E

Learn more

Immunoglobulins or antibodies, play an important role in the immune system and help fight against harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. There are five classes of antibodies and several subclasses. In those that have an allergy, their immune system overreacts to a harmless allergen (such as food, grass or animal dander) by producing IgE. This reaction usually causes irritation to the nose, lungs, throat and skin. The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is used to check for an allergy to a specific allergen. It measures the amount of IgE antibody in the blood targeted for a suspected allergen.

How to prepare for your test

Test limitations

Allergy blood tests frequently give false-positive results, indicating an allergy when there isn’t one. IgE blood tests don’t indicate the severity of an allergy, though the higher your result, the more likely you are to react to an allergen. This test can’t pinpoint specific allergens – it’s important to keep a diary of potential allergens you’ve been exposed to before your symptoms came on.

False-negative results are also possible, where the test indicates no allergy despite there being one. This is less common than a false-positive result but can still occur. This is usually due to test timing (for example, taking the test a long time after allergy symptoms have settled), the type of allergy (delayed hypersensitivity reactions and non-IgE-mediated allergies like food intolerances are often not picked up by this test), or if baseline IgE levels are very low to start with.

Reviews

    FAQs

    What can I learn from an IgE blood test?
    An IgE blood tests gives insights into your immune system’s responses, particularly in relation to allergies. It can help you identify allergies to foods, pets, pollen, and other common allergens. This test is most useful for people with persistent allergy symptoms because levels of IgE often fall when an allergen is removed. This test can’t establish the cause of an allergy, only show that your body is having an allergic response.

    What are immunoglobulins?
    Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are proteins made by the immune system to defend against infections and allergens. There are five main types of immunoglobulins (Ig). In people with an allergy, their immune system overreacts to a harmless allergen (such as food, grass, or animal dander) by producing IgE. This reaction usually causes symptoms like hives, a runny nose, or itchy eyes.

    What does it mean if my IgE levels are high?
    Raised IgE levels often indicate an allergy, especially if you have typical symptoms of an allergy to a common trigger. However, not everyone with a raised result will have a physical allergic reaction when exposed to that substance. There are many other causes of a raised IgE result, including atopic conditions (such as eczema and asthma), parasitic infections, HIV infection, and other immune conditions.