ALEX Allergy Explorer Test
The ALEX Allergy Explorer is a single blood test that maps a wide range of allergens at once, both whole allergen extracts and individual molecular components. It is the test to reach for when triggers are unclear or there are several of them, and at KONCEPT® every result is reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor who sends a short outcome note, not just a printout.
By Dr Maryam Attarzadeh, GMC-registered doctor and Medical Director, KONCEPT® Medical Clinic. Last reviewed May 2026. Next review November 2026.
The UK has one of the highest rates of allergy in the world, and it is still rising. When several triggers are in play, one broad test can bring clarity faster than checking a single allergen at a time.
of UK adults live with at least one allergic condition.
of UK children are affected by an allergic condition.
allergen extracts and molecular components measured from a single ALEX blood sample.
rise in UK hospital admissions for serious allergic reactions over the past 20 years.
Sources: Allergy UK, Statistics and Figures; the ALEX² allergen panel (MacroArray Diagnostics). Figures are UK population estimates, provided for context.
For people with several possible triggers, testing one allergen at a time is slow and can miss the bigger pattern. ALEX takes a different approach.
Measures specific IgE to a wide range of inhalant and food allergens from a single blood sample, so you do not have to choose just one or two to check.
Reports individual molecular components, not only whole extracts, which adds detail a basic IgE test cannot give and helps separate a genuine allergy from a cross-reaction.
A GMC-registered doctor reviews every result and sends a short outcome note: no action needed, or a GP review recommended. A detailed interpretation of what it means for you is a separate consultation, with your NHS GP (no NHS charge) or a KONCEPT® GP (£149).
Most allergens are made of several proteins, called components. Testing the whole extract tells you that you react to, say, peanut. Testing the components tells you which protein within peanut, and that distinction can change everything about the advice you are given.
Shows that your immune system reacts to an allergen source as a whole, for example birch pollen or peanut. Useful, but it cannot tell a high-risk reaction from a mild cross-reaction.
Shows which specific protein within that source you react to. This is where the clinical meaning lives, because different components carry different significance.
A everyday example. Many people with hay fever get an itchy mouth when they eat certain raw fruits or nuts. Component testing can help a doctor tell whether that is a pollen-related cross-reaction, which is usually mild, or sensitisation to a component linked to more significant reactions. That distinction guides the advice you receive and whether a referral or further assessment is worthwhile. ALEX informs the doctor's judgement, it does not replace it, and it does not on its own predict how you will react.
ALEX is most useful when the picture is not simple. Consider it if you recognise any of these.
If you already have a single clear suspected trigger, a targeted single allergen or total IgE test may be all you need. The doctor will help you choose at booking.
Checks one suspected trigger with specific IgE. Best when you already know what you are likely reacting to. £108 on the allergy page.
Looks at a reaction on the skin. Not suitable for everyone, for example with eczema, antihistamines or a history of severe reactions. We can refer where appropriate.
One blood sample, a wide range of allergens and molecular components, with a doctor-reviewed outcome note. Best for multiple or unclear triggers. £418 all-in.
One sample, a broad allergen and component map, reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. £418 all-in, a single all-inclusive price that covers your whole visit.
Online, in person, or during a GP consultation. A doctor confirms ALEX is the right choice for you.
Taken in clinic, usually 15 to 30 minutes, no fasting needed.
Processed by an accredited UK laboratory. A broad panel can take a little longer, confirmed at booking.
A short outcome note sent securely to your email. For a detailed interpretation, see your NHS GP (no NHS charge) or a KONCEPT® GP (£149).
ALEX shows sensitisation, what your immune system recognises. It is a detailed map, not a verdict. A positive component does not by itself confirm a clinical allergy, and the result is always reviewed by a doctor before any conclusion. A detailed interpretation is a separate GP consultation, with your NHS GP or a KONCEPT® GP (£149).
NHS allergy care, through your GP and specialist allergy clinics, remains the right route for many people, particularly anyone who has had a severe reaction. KONCEPT® is designed to complement, not replace, that care, by offering the ALEX Allergy Explorer directly, without referral, with a doctor to interpret the broad result against your history. With your written consent we share a clinical summary with your NHS GP, and we refer on to specialist allergy services where that is the right next step.
Source: allergy testing guidance reflects the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and NHS allergy guidance. NHS provision varies by region and clinical context.
KONCEPT® Medical Clinic offers the doctor-reviewed ALEX Allergy Explorer across the KT and SW postcodes, without a GP referral. People travel from Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton, New Malden, Wimbledon, Richmond upon Thames, Putney, Teddington, Hampton, Esher, Cobham, Walton-on-Thames, Thames Ditton and Twickenham. The clinic is at 46 to 48 Wood Street, opposite Kingston Station, two minutes from the Bentall Centre, with parking nearby, and reachable by train from Waterloo in around 28 minutes.
It suits anyone searching for the ALEX Allergy Explorer, an allergy explorer test, a component-resolved allergy test, or a comprehensive allergy blood test in Kingston, Surrey or South West London. Book online or call 020 8129 1011.
If ALEX is broader than you need, a targeted test may be the better fit. The doctor will advise at booking.
The ALEX Allergy Explorer is a single blood test that measures your total IgE and specific IgE to a wide range of allergens at once, covering both whole allergen extracts and individual molecular components. From one blood sample it gives a broad map of what your immune system is sensitised to, which a GMC-registered doctor then interprets against your symptoms.
A single allergen test checks one suspected trigger. ALEX screens a wide range in one go, which is useful when you have several possible triggers, when triggers are unclear, or when you would rather see the whole picture than test one at a time. It also reports molecular components, not just whole extracts, which adds a level of detail a basic test does not.
Whole allergens are made of several proteins, or components. Component-resolved testing shows which specific component you react to, not just the source. This helps a doctor tell a likely genuine allergy from a harmless cross-reaction, for example separating a true nut allergy from a pollen-related cross-reactivity that causes only mild mouth itching. That detail can change the advice you are given and informs decisions such as whether to consider immunotherapy or specialist referral. It is interpreted by a doctor and does not replace clinical judgement.
ALEX suits people with symptoms that have several possible triggers, unclear or confusing food reactions, suspected pollen-food cross-reactivity, or anyone who would prefer a broad one-sample screen rather than testing allergens one at a time. It is also helpful background before a conversation about immunotherapy. If you already have one clear suspected trigger, a single allergen test may be all you need, and the doctor will advise.
Not on its own. Like any IgE test, ALEX shows sensitisation, meaning your immune system recognises an allergen or component. Whether that causes your symptoms is judged by a doctor alongside your history, and a result is never read as a simple yes or no. This is exactly why ALEX is offered with doctor interpretation rather than as a raw report.
It is a single blood sample taken in clinic, usually 15 to 30 minutes, with no fasting needed. The sample is processed by an accredited UK laboratory. Because ALEX is a broad panel it can take a little longer than a single test, and the expected turnaround is confirmed when you book. Your result is reviewed by a doctor and sent securely to your email, password-protected.
No. You can book online, in person at the clinic, or add the test during a GP consultation at KONCEPT®. A GMC-registered doctor reviews each request and confirms whether ALEX or a more targeted test is the better fit before your appointment.
The ALEX Allergy Explorer is 418 pounds all-in, a single all-inclusive price that covers your whole visit. If a GP review is recommended afterwards, that is a separate booking: your NHS GP at no NHS charge, or a KONCEPT GP consultation at 149 pounds.
NHS allergy care, through your GP and specialist allergy clinics, remains the right route for many people, particularly anyone who has had a severe reaction. KONCEPT® offers ALEX directly, without referral, with a doctor to interpret the broad result against your history. With your written consent we share a clinical summary with your NHS GP, and we refer on to specialist allergy services where that is the right next step.
46 to 48 Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1UW. KONCEPT® Medical Clinic is opposite Kingston station, with parking nearby at the Bentall Centre.
These are genuine reviews from patients who tested at KONCEPT®, drawn from Google and our verified-patient reviews. The same themes recur: a calm, professional, unhurried experience, and a fast results turnaround.
"I went in for a blood test a couple days ago which was such a smooth and pleasant experience and I received my results back the next day. A super quick turn over time which is just what I needed."
"I came here for some blood tests and travel vaccinations. Really impressed by the blood test results turnaround, came in a couple days. As a Kingston local it is great to have the clinic in easy reach."
"I came to KONCEPT medical clinic for a blood test. Everyone was really nice and welcoming, and made me feel at ease straight away. It was quick, professional and I did not feel rushed. Would definitely recommend."
"I went for a blood test at KONCEPT medical clinic. It was quick, easy, and everyone was super friendly. Really smooth process."
Genuine reviews from our Google Business Profile and verified-patient reviews. Individual experiences vary.
The ALEX Allergy Explorer, £418 all-in, a single all-inclusive price that covers your whole visit. Same-day, evening and Saturday appointments available. No GP referral needed. Doctor-reviewed result.
Serving Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding KT, SW and TW catchment, including Surbiton, Wimbledon, Richmond, Putney, Teddington, New Malden, Esher, Thames Ditton, Walton-on-Thames, Twickenham and Hampton.
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. The ALEX Allergy Explorer measures sensitisation (specific IgE) and is interpreted by a qualified clinician alongside your symptoms and history. A result does not on its own diagnose or exclude an allergy, or predict how you will react. Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction should seek urgent medical care.