Food Allergy Testing in Dublin: Types, Costs & What to Expect

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to specific foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The HSE food-allergy overview explains symptoms, causes and the distinction between allergy and intolerance.

Getting a proper diagnosis is essential. Self-diagnosis from online symptom checkers, or avoidance diets without testing, can lead to unnecessary dietary restriction or, worse, a missed diagnosis that leaves a patient at risk of a severe reaction.

Common Food Allergies

Foods that can trigger allergy include:

• Cow's milk (particularly in infants and toddlers)
• Hen's eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.)
• Wheat (wheat allergy is not the same as coeliac disease)
• Shellfish and fish
• Soy

It is important to distinguish between a food allergy (an immune-mediated response) and a food intolerance (such as lactose intolerance, which is digestive rather than immune in origin). Testing methods and management differ significantly between the two.

Types of Food Allergy Tests

Skin Prick Test (SPT): Small amounts of selected allergen extracts are placed on the skin, which is lightly pricked. A raised bump may indicate sensitisation, but does not by itself establish a food-allergy diagnosis. NICE recommends selecting and interpreting tests alongside the clinical history, by appropriately trained professionals with facilities to manage anaphylaxis.

Specific IgE Blood Test (RAST): A blood sample is taken and tested for levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. This test is particularly useful when skin testing is not possible (e.g., in patients with severe eczema or those taking antihistamines). Results typically take a few days.

Patch Testing: Patch testing is used for contact allergy, not as a routine food-allergy test. NICE CG116, recommendations 1.1.9–1.1.11, advises interpreting tests alongside an allergy-focused history, avoiding atopy patch tests and oral food challenges for IgE-mediated food allergy in primary care, and using a clinician-directed elimination and reintroduction trial for suspected non-IgE allergy with dietetic advice.

Oral Food Challenge (OFC): Under medical supervision, the patient is given gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen. This is considered the gold-standard diagnostic test, particularly for complex or unclear cases, and is always performed in a clinical setting with emergency support available.

What Does Allergy Testing Cost in Dublin?

Allergy testing costs in Dublin vary depending on the type and extent of testing required. At Elite Medical & Dental Clinic, skin prick testing is performed during the consultation appointment — meaning results are available the same day. Our pricing is published clearly on our Prices page, and all tests are explained in detail before proceeding.

Managing a Food Allergy After Diagnosis

For confirmed allergies, management involves three pillars: strict avoidance of the allergen, an emergency action plan (including self-injectable adrenaline — EpiPen — for those at risk of anaphylaxis), and regular follow-up with your allergologist to monitor for natural resolution (which occurs in many children with egg and milk allergies).

Discuss treatment options with a specialist. Do not try food challenges, reintroduction after a severe reaction or desensitisation at home. The HSE food-allergy guidance explains management and emergency symptoms. Call 112 or 999 for suspected anaphylaxis and follow your prescribed emergency plan.

If you suspect your child or a family member has a food allergy, don't delay getting tested. Contact us at Elite Medical & Dental Clinic on +353 85 102 4218 or book online.