Allergy Screen (Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema) Blood Test

Cod is a common fin-fish allergen. IgE-mediated cod allergy can cause oral itching, hives, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity with other fish species is common because of shared parvalbumin proteins.

Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood and may also persist into adulthood. Reactions are driven by IgE antibodies to milk proteins (mainly casein, alpha-lactalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulin) and can range from mild skin rashes to severe systemic reactions.

Egg white contains the most allergenic egg proteins (ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, lysozyme). Egg allergy is most common in young children and can trigger eczema flare-ups, urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals.

Soya is a legume allergen that can cause IgE-mediated reactions including urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. Cross-reactivity with birch pollen is recognised, and hidden soya in processed foods is a frequent issue.

Peanut is one of the most clinically significant food allergens because reactions tend to be severe and lifelong. Even tiny amounts can trigger anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals, making accurate testing essential.

Hazelnut allergy is common and may be either a primary IgE-mediated reaction or a pollen-food cross-reaction (oral allergy syndrome) linked to birch pollen. Symptoms range from oral itching to systemic reactions.

Shrimp is a representative shellfish allergen — tropomyosin is the major protein responsible. Shellfish allergy commonly causes urticaria, swelling, vomiting, and anaphylaxis, and reactions are often severe enough to require lifelong avoidance.

Wheat allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction distinct from coeliac disease. It can trigger skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms, and in adults wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a recognised severe form.

Apple commonly causes oral allergy syndrome (pollen-food syndrome) in people sensitised to birch pollen, due to cross-reactive Bet v 1 homologue proteins. Symptoms are usually mild and limited to the mouth and throat, but systemic reactions can occur.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the most common house dust mite worldwide and a major trigger of perennial allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Dust mites live in bedding, carpets, and soft furnishings; their faecal pellets contain the main allergenic proteins.

Cat dander contains the major allergen Fel d 1, produced in saliva and sebaceous glands and shed on skin flakes. It is small, sticky, and persistent in the environment — making it a common trigger of allergic rhinitis and asthma even in homes without cats.

Dog dander allergy is driven mainly by Can f 1 and other proteins found in saliva, urine, and skin. Dog allergens tend to be more variable between breeds than cat allergens but can still trigger significant respiratory and skin symptoms.

Timothy grass is a major source of grass pollen allergy and a common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in the UK during late spring and summer. It is also the basis for many grass pollen immunotherapy preparations.

Silver birch pollen is the dominant tree pollen allergen in northern Europe. It causes spring hay fever and is the main driver of pollen-food syndrome (oral itching from raw apples, hazelnuts, stone fruits, and some vegetables).