Food sensitivity blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

This test measures food-specific IgG antibodies, a type of antibody the immune system makes in response to proteins it meets, including those in food. Results are reported for more than 200 foods, from dairy, eggs and grains to meats, fish, nuts, fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices.

It is important to be clear about what IgG testing can and cannot show. IgG to a food often reflects that you eat it regularly, and NHS and UK allergy specialists do not consider it a reliable way to diagnose food intolerance. This is not an allergy test: allergies that cause hives, swelling or breathing problems are linked to IgE antibodies and need a different test. We use the results only as a guide for a short, supervised elimination trial, so you do not cut out foods unnecessarily.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. Your practitioner will help you plan which foods to trial and how to reintroduce them safely.

Who it is for

• You have ongoing bloating, wind or changes in bowel habit and suspect food plays a part.
• You want a structured starting point for an elimination diet with professional support.
• You have already ruled out coeliac disease and other medical causes with your GP.
• You understand the test is a guide, not a diagnosis, and want help interpreting it.

Understanding your result

Your report groups foods into bands, usually normal, borderline and elevated IgG. A raised level does not prove that a food is causing symptoms, and a normal level does not mean a food suits you. The most reliable way to confirm a food intolerance is a careful elimination for a few weeks, followed by reintroduction while you note how you feel.

Your practitioner will help you choose a small number of foods to trial so that your diet stays balanced. A result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and long-term restriction without support is not advised.

Preparing for your test

Keep eating your usual diet before the test, as the antibodies depend on recent exposure, and avoiding a food can lower its result. No fasting is needed. Tell us if you take steroids or immune-suppressing medicines, as these can affect antibody levels. If you have symptoms such as weight loss, blood in your stool or difficulty swallowing, please see your GP first, as these need medical assessment.

If you react quickly to foods, our allergy blood tests measure IgE. If you have gut symptoms, a coeliac blood test is often worth doing first. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a food sensitivity test in Chiswick?

The Food Sensitivity Test costs £279. It includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is this the same as a food allergy test?

No. Food allergy involves IgE antibodies and can cause serious reactions. This test measures IgG and is used only as a guide for an elimination plan.

Can this diagnose a food intolerance?

No. IgG levels do not prove intolerance. A supervised elimination and reintroduction plan is the best way to find out whether a food affects you.

Should I avoid foods before the test?

No. Keep eating as normal, because avoiding a food can make its result look lower than it would otherwise be.