where can you get an allergy test done?

[Deals]

how expensive are they? i would like all 3 of us at home to get this done. one woman told me at a health food shop that her friend went to see a nutritionist and this cost her £270. this seems rather steep - am i missing something? thanks in advance.

[Georgie Porgy]

Sometimes Holland and Barrett have people attend who do allergy and intolerance tests. My Mum went there and had one - can't remember exactly how much but I'm sure it was less than £100.

They ask you so many questions about problems you experience after certain foods and what you eat. They then seem to tell you that you are intolerant to the things you told them you don't feel good after eating. If you tell them you have any cravings then they will tell you that you are allergic or intolerant to that.

I think this is just a waste of money.

[vickypink]

If its an intolerance test, then you would be better off to keep a food diary. Eliminated a certain food type (diary, wheat) for a few weeks and record exactly what you have eaten at which time and day, and then the time/day of sypmtoms, eventually you will be able to work out what food you should avoid. But only elimate one product at a time.

[welshgirlmel]

I haven`t tried them so cant recommend but this is one company that offers testing
http://www.yorktest.com/

Mel

[SUESMITH]

I haven`t tried them so cant recommend but this is one company that offers testing
http://www.yorktest.com/

Mel

hmm i'm a bit dubious about them, my friends son got done and got told he was intolerant of wheat, dairy, peppers, tomatoes, yeast etc - i seem to remember they were expensive too. im sure there was something in the media about how their journalist resubmitted the same sample and got differant results back. like vickypink said a food diary is the best thing to try. if its proper allergies i would go to my gp first and push for tests.

[dmg24]

If there is a medical need for allergy testing it can be done on the NHS. However, this is a much more scientific test than those described above, and involves placing allergens on the skin in a controlled environment.

[vickypink]

If there is a medical need for allergy testing it can be done on the NHS. However, this is a much more scientific test than those described above, and involves placing allergens on the skin in a controlled environment.

This method is only done for food allergies (a reaction to a food type or group that causes an immediate reaction and could lead to death). An intolerance produces a reaction over time and can produce skin problems or stomach problems.

If you or any of your family have a food allergy, then they/ you need to see your GP. Food allergies can change how severe they are each time you have a reaction and could be fatal. I have a nut allergy and my reaction changes everytime I have one.

Also i have a degree in nutritional biochemistry (meaning im a nutritionist), I would definelty recommend seeing your GP if your having persistant problems as they will refer your to a dietian that can help you with testing, mainly through food diaries.

I hope this helps you!

pinkx

[beechescomposter]

Allergy testing by people in shops and by mail order is mostly quackery. Have a look at http://www.quackwatch.org/ and see how many boxes it ticks