Allergy Testingfor Children in Belfast
Allergy diagnosis is the foundation of safe, effective management. Dr Mugilan Anandarajan offers a full range of allergy tests for children aged 0–16 at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast — with results interpreted in the context of your child's full clinical history.
Ages 0–16
All paediatric ages
15–20 min
SPT results time
Same-day
Results for SPT
No GP referral
Required
Allergy diagnosis — explained in full at every appointment
Tests Available at the Clinic
The right test depends on your child's age, symptoms, and clinical history. Dr Anandarajan will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic pathway at your initial consultation.
Skin Prick Testing (SPT)
The gold standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies. A small drop of allergen extract is placed on the forearm and the skin is gently pricked. Results are available within 15–20 minutes. Safe, quick, and well-tolerated by children of all ages.
Specific IgE Blood Tests
A blood sample is tested for IgE antibodies to specific allergens. Particularly useful when skin prick testing is not possible (e.g. severe eczema, antihistamine use, very young infants). Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) can identify the exact protein causing the reaction.
Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD)
Advanced blood testing that identifies the specific molecular components (proteins) causing a reaction. Helps distinguish true allergy from cross-reactivity, predicts severity risk, and guides decisions on further management.
Skin Prick Testing in Detail
Skin prick testing (SPT) is the most widely used and clinically validated method for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies. It is quick, safe, and provides immediate results — making it the preferred first-line test for most children presenting with suspected allergic disease.
During the test, a small drop of standardised allergen extract is placed on the forearm. A sterile lancet is used to gently prick the skin through the drop — the sensation is comparable to a light scratch. After 15–20 minutes, any wheal (raised bump) that has formed is measured. A wheal of 3mm or more greater than the negative control is considered positive.
For food allergens, Dr Anandarajan uses fresh food (e.g. fresh milk, fresh egg) alongside commercial extracts — this is particularly important for fruits and vegetables where commercial extracts may underperform due to protein degradation.
Allergens Tested
Foods
- Cow's milk (fresh)
- Egg white & yolk (fresh)
- Peanut
- Tree nuts (cashew, walnut, almond, hazelnut)
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish & shellfish
- Sesame
Aeroallergens
- Grass pollen mix
- Tree pollens (birch, alder, hazel)
- Weed pollens
- House dust mite (D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae)
- Cat & dog dander
- Mould (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus)
Other
- Latex
- Insect venoms (bee, wasp)
- Positive control (histamine)
- Negative control (saline)
Before your appointment
Stop antihistamines 3–5 days before skin prick testing. All other medications — including inhalers and steroid creams — should be continued as normal.
Component-Resolved Diagnostics
Standard allergy tests measure IgE to a whole food or allergen extract — a mixture of many different proteins. Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) goes further, measuring IgE to individual proteins within that food.
This distinction is clinically critical. For example, a child sensitised to Ara h 2 (a storage protein in peanut) is at high risk of a severe systemic reaction. A child sensitised only to Ara h 8 (a cross-reactive pollen protein) is likely to experience only mild oral symptoms and may be able to eat roasted peanut safely. Without CRD, both children would appear to have "peanut allergy" on standard testing.
- Ara h 2 (peanut) — Storage protein — predicts severe systemic reactions
- Ana o 3 (cashew) — Storage protein — high risk of anaphylaxis
- Cor a 14 (hazelnut) — Storage protein — genuine hazelnut allergy
- Cor a 1 (hazelnut) — Pollen cross-reactive — oral allergy syndrome only
- Der p 1 / Der p 2 (HDM) — Predicts response to allergen immunotherapy
- Phl p 5 (grass pollen) — Major grass allergen — guides immunotherapy
Why CRD changes management
Without CRD, children are often told to avoid multiple nuts when they may only be genuinely allergic to one or two. CRD allows Dr Anandarajan to:
- Identify which nuts pose a genuine systemic risk vs. cross-reactive sensitisation
- Avoid unnecessary dietary restriction and nutritional impact
- Accurately risk-stratify for anaphylaxis and prescribe EpiPen appropriately
- Predict who is likely to outgrow their allergy
- Select the right candidates for further management
- Predict response to allergen immunotherapy for aeroallergens
Conditions We Test For
Dr Anandarajan provides specialist allergy testing for a wide range of paediatric allergic conditions. Each assessment is tailored to your child's specific symptoms and history.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Detailed Clinical History
Dr Anandarajan will take a thorough history of your child's symptoms, reactions, diet, and family history. This is the most important part of the assessment — tests are always interpreted in context.
Allergy Testing
Skin prick testing is performed in clinic and results are available within 15–20 minutes. Blood tests are sent to the laboratory and results are typically available within 3–7 days.
Results & Diagnosis
Test results are explained clearly, with a definitive diagnosis where possible. Dr Anandarajan will discuss what the results mean for your child's day-to-day life.
Personalised Management Plan
You will leave with a written management plan covering avoidance strategies, emergency medication (if required), school/nursery action plans, and a clear follow-up pathway.
Preparing for Your Child's Allergy Test
- Stop antihistamines 3–5 days before skin prick testing (not required for blood tests)
- Continue all other medications as normal, including inhalers and steroid creams
- Bring a list of any reactions your child has had, including dates and foods involved
- Bring any current medications and their doses
- Wear or bring a short-sleeved top — skin prick testing is done on the forearm
- Bring a snack and a distraction for younger children
- Allow 60–90 minutes for a standard appointment
No GP referral required
You can book directly through Kingsbridge Private Hospital or Ulster Independent Clinic. Most major health insurers are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conditions We Test & Treat
Allergy testing supports the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions in children.
Allergy Testing for Families Across Northern Ireland
Families travel from across Northern Ireland for specialist paediatric allergy testing at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast. Easily accessible from the M1, M2, and A1 with free parking.
Why parents choose Belfast Allergy Clinic for allergy testing
- Consultant Paediatrician (FRCPCH)
- 25+ years clinical experience
- Children aged 0–16 years
- No GP referral required
- Allergy testing available
- Face-to-face and video consultations
- Recognised by major insurers
Ready to get answers for your child?
Book an allergy assessment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital or Ulster Independent Clinic. No GP referral required.