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Food Intolerance Blood Tests in London
Comprehensive Food Allergy and Intolerance Testing in London
Greenland Medical provides an essential service for individuals in London struggling with unexplained digestive issues, skin irritations, or systemic inflammation. Understanding the distinction between a true food allergy and a food intolerance is critical for effective management. Our clinic offers advanced food allergy testing and food intolerance blood tests designed to identify specific triggers, enabling patients to reclaim their health through data-driven dietary adjustments. As a patient-centred facility, we integrate these diagnostics into a broader framework of primary care, ensuring that your results are interpreted within the context of your overall medical history.
Understanding the Science of Sensitivity
Diagnostic accuracy is the foundation of our testing protocols. We utilise sophisticated laboratory analyses to measure the body’s immune response to various dietary proteins. For suspected allergies, we measure Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, which are responsible for immediate, sometimes severe, reactions. Conversely, for food intolerances, which often manifest as delayed digestive discomfort or lethargy, we assess Immunoglobulin G (IgG) markers.
By identifying the exact antibody response, our clinicians can determine whether you are experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction or a complex sensitivity. This distinction is vital; while an allergy requires strict avoidance and emergency protocols, an intolerance may be managed through gradual elimination and gut-health restoration.
A Patient-Centred Diagnostic Journey
At Greenland Medical, we believe that a blood test is only the beginning of the journey. Following your screening, our London-based functional medicine practitioners provide a detailed consultation to explain the findings and develop a bespoke nutritional plan.
Our comprehensive primary care approach ensures that we don't just hand you a list of "forbidden foods." We look for underlying causes, such as intestinal permeability or gut microbiome imbalances, that may be exacerbating your sensitivities. By choosing Greenland Medical for your food sensitivity testing, you are accessing a sophisticated medical infrastructure dedicated to specialized treatments and long-term wellness solutions. Contact our clinic today to learn more.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system “overreacts” to a substance by identifying it as foreign, resulting in the synthesis and release of antibodies. Antibodies in turn stimulate the release of chemicals such as histamine, which cause the typical array of allergic symptoms such as swelling, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. Eventually they can produce far reaching effects on the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.
The incidence of food allergies has increased dramatically over recent years, and it is now estimated that up to 20 percent of the population have adverse reactions to foods. Allergens (substances capable of producing allergic reactions), can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. From wheat and dairy products to the house dust mite, and from animal hair to pollen, we are all being bombarded by substances with the potential to cause allergic reactions.
Traditional Diagnosis can be Problematic
Traditional diagnosis of food hypersensitivity reactions is often based on skin prick tests, food diaries and lengthy food exclusion and reintroduction diets, which require a high level of compliance, and can be problematic. Furthermore, it is virtually impossible to test all the different combinations of food types that may be contributing to the problems.
Dr Greenland offers a range of simple blood tests for food allergies, sensitivity and intolerances that includes panels for both immediate hypersensitivity reactions as well as for more delayed, gut associated intolerances related to ‘leaky gut’ syndrome.
These tests employ state of the art technology to measure the relative levels of antibodies and inflammatory markers to the most commonly encountered foods.
How the Allergy, Sensitivity, and Intolerance Testing Process Works
Step 1: Initial Consultation (60 Minutes)
Discuss symptoms and medical history
Explore dietary habits and potential triggers
Determine the most appropriate testing options
If testing is clinically indicated, a blood sample is taken and sent for advanced laboratory analysis.
Step 2: Follow-Up Consultation (30 Minutes)
🩺 10-14 days later, results are reviewed in detail, and a comprehensive printed report is provided.
Explain your test results and what they mean for your health
Create a bespoke food plan to reduce or eliminate exposure to allergens
Provide personalized recommendations to restore gut health and overall balance
Additional follow-up sessions can be scheduled as needed to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
Allergy / Sensitivity and
Intolerance Testing Price List
Food Sensitivity Profiles
These panels measure the levels of specific IgE antibodies responsible for classical acute allergic reactions. These usually present immediately and include: hay fever, asthma, hives, swollen / itchy throat, tongue, lips, gums, watery / itchy/ swollen eyes, rhinitis, colic, anaphylaxis, eczema, and skin rashes:
IgE Food panel (37 Foods) (IMM05) – this is a more economical way of detecting allergic reactions to a smaller range of 37 common foods – £215.00*
Nuts and Seeds (TDL-4A) – Almond, Brazil nut, Cashew, Hazelnut, Macadamia nut, Peanut, Pecan, Pine Nut, Pistachio, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Sesame seed, Sunflower Seed, Walnut – £330.00*
Shellfish (TDL-6A) – Clam, Crab, Crayfish, Lobster, Octopus, Prawns / Shrimp, Scallop, Squid – £211.50*
Finfish (TDL-7A) – Codfish, Mackerel, Plaice, Sardine, Pilchard, Salmon, Sole, Swordfish, Tuna – £211.50*
Stone fruit / Rosaceae family (TDL-13A) – Almond, Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Peach, Pear, Plum, Raspberry Strawberry – £189.50*
Food Sensitivity Profiles
These panels measure the IgG antibodies associated with ‘delayed’ food reactions that can exacerbate or contribute to many different health problems:
75 Food ingredients (L-75) – £149.00* Show Tested Foods
100 Food ingredients (L-100) – £199.00* Show Tested Foods
150 Food ingredients (L-150) – £299.00* Show Tested Foods
Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen (C10) – This is the latest, state of the art, most comprehensive, and to the best of my knowledge, the most accurate on the market since it measures IgG and IgA antibody mediated reactions to 180 cooked, raw and modified foods, food enzymes, lectins and food additives, artificial colourings and gums £636.50*
Gluten Sensitivity / Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease caused by an inability to properly digest foods containing gluten. Gluten is found in many grains including wheat, oats, rye, barley and spelt. Coeliac disease is chronic, has a genetic component and may affect several family members. It is a life-long condition in which the ingestion of the gluten component of wheat and related cereals leads to damage to the intestinal lining, skin reactions or the nervous system. Coeliac disease is not technically an ‘allergy’ to gluten per se.
Coeliac Disease Profile (TDL-GSA) – This profile is composed of a number of antibody markers to accurately distinguish between the presence or absence of gluten sensitivity and Coeliac disease – £160.00*
Comprehensive Coeliac Disease Profile (TDL-GSA2) – In addition to the antibody markers described in the TDL-GSA profile (above), this panel includes a genetic test for predisposition to Coeliac disease – £274.00*
Gluten Proteome Reactivity and Autoimmunity (C3) – This highly advanced panel accurately identifies gluten reactivity (including coeliac disease) by measuring IgG and IgA antibody production against 9 wheat proteins and peptides and 3 essential enzyme structures – £391.16*
Gluten-Associated Cross Reactive Foods And Food Sensitivities (C4) – this is helpful for identifying cross-reactions to foods with a similar protein structure to gluten, and therefore provides valuable insights to those unresponsive or making limited improvements on a gluten free diet – £273.30*
Environmental Allergy Profiles
IgE Inhalant Profile (IMM06) – Identifies classical allergies to 27 of the most common airborne allergens. – £210.00*
Combined Panels
IgG Foods + IgE Foods + IgE Inhalants (IMM24) – This profile consists of the IMM05, IMM06 and IMM12 panels described above, and therefore provides a comprehensive assessment of reactivity to foods and environmental allergens – £470.00*
Comprehensive Food Immune Reactivity Panel (C10C) – this highly comprehensive profile includes C3, C4, and C10C above, and is therefore a more economical way of obtaining a comprehensive picture of potential food reactivity – £1057.56*
Bespoke Allergy Testing
Please get in touch if you can’t see an allergy test panel that meets your individual requirements. We can create a bespoke panel from an extensive repertoire of foods, food additives, environmental allergens (pollens, micro-organisms, mites, animals, insect venoms), occupational chemicals and drugs, as needed. Pricing for these is available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions: Greenland Medical Food Testing
What’s the difference between a food allergy, food sensitivity, and food intolerance?
Food Allergy (IgE reaction): An immediate immune system response that can cause severe reactions, including swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
Food Sensitivity (IgG reaction): A delayed immune response that may lead to digestive issues, headaches, joint pain, and inflammation—symptoms appearing hours or even days later.
Food Intolerance: A non-immune reaction, typically related to digestive difficulties, such as lactose intolerance, where the body lacks the enzymes to break down certain foods.
What symptoms might indicate I have a food-related reaction?
Food-related reactions can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including:
Digestive issues – Bloating, gas, acid reflux, IBS, nausea
Skin problems – Eczema, acne, hives, rashes
Fatigue & brain fog – Low energy, trouble concentrating
Joint pain & inflammation – Arthritis, muscle stiffness
Mental health concerns – Anxiety, depression, mood swings
How soon will I see results after adjusting my diet?
Many people notice improvements within weeks, but results vary based on severity of symptoms, level of exposure, and adherence to dietary changes. Some individuals experience relief within days, while others need longer-term adjustments.
Do I have to stop eating the suspected foods before testing?
No! Unlike elimination diets, you do NOT need to remove foods before testing. In fact, it’s best to continue eating normally before the test so your immune system accurately reflects any current reactions.
Will I have to eliminate these foods forever?
Not always. Some food sensitivities can be temporary, especially if caused by gut imbalances or leaky gut syndrome. After a period of avoidance and gut healing, many foods can be gradually reintroduced.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
A food allergy is an immediate and potentially severe immune system reaction involving IgE antibodies, often affecting the skin, breathing, or heart. A food intolerance is typically a delayed reaction involving IgG antibodies, primarily in the digestive system or causing general lethargy. Our London clinic tests for both to ensure you receive a clear, accurate diagnosis of your specific condition.
How do you perform the test at your London clinic?
We use a comprehensive blood-based screening method. Unlike "skin prick" tests, which only identify immediate allergies, our blood tests allow for a detailed laboratory analysis of your body’s reaction to hundreds of different food proteins. This provides a quantitative measurement of your sensitivity levels, which is far more precise for managing complex, long-term intolerances.
Can food intolerances cause symptoms beyond digestive upset?
Absolutely. While many patients experience bloating or abdominal pain, food intolerances are often linked to systemic inflammation. This can manifest as chronic headaches, skin rashes (such as eczema), joint pain, or brain fog. By identifying and removing these triggers, we can often reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and improve overall well-being.
How long does it take to get my results and start a plan?
Once your sample is collected at our London facility, it is sent for specialized laboratory analysis. Results are typically available within 7 to 10 working days. Following the results, you will have a consultation with a Greenland Medical practitioner to interpret the data and begin a bespoke "elimination and reintroduction" plan tailored to your specific medical needs.
Will I have to avoid these foods forever?
Not necessarily. While true allergies often require lifelong avoidance, many food intolerances are the result of poor gut health or temporary imbalances. By following our patient-centered healthcare solutions—which may include gut-healing protocols and a structured reintroduction phase—many patients find they can eventually tolerate small amounts of the trigger foods once their system has recovered.