Allergy testing

I would wait for nhs testing. They don’t endorse private testing like York tests etc. I don’t claim to know too much about it though

@Mel Oh I was referring more to like the same tests but done privately. My mum had this done but was referred via the NHS, but it was the same test I think, just quicker. I'm just absolutely terrified that something has given him such a delayed reaction and honestly it was so bad I barely recognised my own child. Even now after two doses of antihistamines and a hospital trip he still looks as though he's banged his face loads of times it's that swollen. I don't want to have to wait months and live with the fear that it could happen again or be potentially worse (I know I am also very emotional right now). I've already tried to ring the GP for a pre-bookable appointment and been told there's none for weeks so I have to try and join the 8am rush and hope for an on the day appointment to be available because they won't do a referral without him being seen, despite the request having come from hospital 😤

I got my little one allergy tested privately and it was really worth it. I researched specifically for someone experienced in child dermatology/eczema (we were having severe skin reactions to something he was coming into contact with). Booked the appointment and were seen within a week. The testing was all done at the first appointment. It involved applying a tiny amount of potential allergies to his skin, he was in no discomfort for any of it (12m old). From what I remember it looked at: Food allergy tests – including milk, wheat, nut, gluten and egg Pet allergy tests – including cats Skin allergy tests – for dermatitis and eczema Hay fever tests – including tree and grass pollen The majority of the results were known by the time we left, some a week later. We were also given really good advice on next steps for his care etc before leaving. Based in the north of England it cost £250 for the initial appointment and we’ve not needed any further care since as we got our answers.

@Rachael thank you for the reply. That's exactly how my mum said her testing went (I wasn't sure if it was any different for children). Can I ask who it was that you went with? We are Yorkshire so it might not be too far. I've been doing some Googling in between managing my toddler and newborn into companies

We didn’t want to wait for NHS testing as I was worried about anaphylaxis as some of his reactions had been quite bad and whilst at nursery. It was Dr Donald Hodge at Spire Hospital Leeds. He’s a consultant in Paediatric Allergy and General Paediatrics. https://www.spirehealthcare.com/spire-leeds-hospital/treatments/a-z/allergy-testing/ I wouldn’t hesitate in going there again if ever needed.

I've used NTA Health, who does a saliva test for both my husband and I previously. Picks up more than just allergies. https://ntahealth.co.uk/product-category/test-options-for-people/

Just go to the doctors and demand rast allergy bloods. I’ve done it recently just pretty much demand it. My son itches his nose and has nose bleeds so I said I want allergy testing.