The Allergy Testing Service at Nottingham Road Clinic provides specialist-led assessment, investigation and management of suspected allergic disease. Allergic conditions are common and can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system. Symptoms may be mild and intermittent or severe and potentially life-threatening, and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate management and risk reduction.
The service is delivered by clinicians with specialist experience in allergy assessment, working within a structured, evidence-based framework. Nottingham Road Clinic places emphasis on careful clinical evaluation, recognising that allergy testing must be interpreted in the context of a detailed history and examination. Testing alone is not diagnostic and inappropriate or indiscriminate testing can lead to false labelling of allergy, unnecessary dietary restriction or missed alternative diagnoses.
NRC’s approach to allergy testing is holistic and clinically rigorous. The service focuses on distinguishing true IgE-mediated allergy from non-IgE allergy, intolerance and non-allergic conditions that mimic allergic symptoms. Care pathways are aligned with UK clinical standards and national guidance, with access to diagnostics, pathology and onward referral where required. Management plans are individualised and may involve multidisciplinary input where allergic disease overlaps with respiratory, dermatological, gastrointestinal or psychological conditions.
The Allergy Testing Service at Nottingham Road Clinic provides specialist-led assessment, investigation and management of suspected allergic disease. Allergic conditions are common and can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system. Symptoms may be mild and intermittent or severe and potentially life-threatening, and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate management and risk reduction.
The service is delivered by clinicians with specialist experience in allergy assessment, working within a structured, evidence-based framework. Nottingham Road Clinic places emphasis on careful clinical evaluation, recognising that allergy testing must be interpreted in the context of a detailed history and examination. Testing alone is not diagnostic and inappropriate or indiscriminate testing can lead to false labelling of allergy, unnecessary dietary restriction or missed alternative diagnoses.
NRC’s approach to allergy testing is holistic and clinically rigorous. The service focuses on distinguishing true IgE-mediated allergy from non-IgE allergy, intolerance and non-allergic conditions that mimic allergic symptoms. Care pathways are aligned with UK clinical standards and national guidance, with access to diagnostics, pathology and onward referral where required. Management plans are individualised and may involve multidisciplinary input where allergic disease overlaps with respiratory, dermatological, gastrointestinal or psychological conditions.
The Allergy Testing Service is suitable for adults who present with suspected allergic symptoms that require specialist assessment beyond primary care.
This includes patients with:
Specialist input is particularly important where symptoms are recurrent, multisystem, severe, impact daily life, or where incorrect labelling of allergy could affect dietary intake, medication use or occupational safety. The service is appropriate for both self-pay and insured patients and provides referrers with structured assessment, clear interpretation of results and guidance on ongoing management and referral.
The Allergy Testing Service assesses a broad range of allergic and allergy-related conditions, with careful differentiation from non-allergic disease.
Food allergy and food-related reactions
Patients may experience gastrointestinal, cutaneous, respiratory or systemic symptoms following ingestion of specific foods. Assessment focuses on identifying true food allergy, differentiating it from food intolerance, functional gastrointestinal disorders and other causes of food-related symptoms.
Environmental and inhalant allergy
Allergy to pollens, house dust mite, animal dander or moulds may present with rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough or asthma-like symptoms. Identification of relevant allergens supports targeted management.
Drug allergy and adverse reactions
Suspected reactions to medications require careful evaluation due to implications for future treatment. Many reported drug allergies are non-immune mediated and benefit from specialist clarification.
Urticaria and angioedema
Acute or chronic hives and swelling may be allergic, autoimmune or idiopathic. Assessment aims to identify triggers, exclude systemic disease and guide safe management.
Eczema and contact allergy
Persistent or treatment-resistant skin disease may have allergic or irritant contributors and requires specialist assessment.
Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions
Patients with suspected systemic reactions require structured investigation, risk assessment and clear management planning.
Red-flag allergic presentations
Rapid onset reactions, airway involvement, cardiovascular compromise or unexplained collapse warrant urgent specialist assessment and escalation pathways.
Clinical assessment begins with a detailed allergy-focused history, which is central to diagnosis. This includes timing of symptoms, symptom reproducibility, exposure context, severity, treatment response and impact on quality of life. Dietary habits, occupational exposure, medication history and family history of atopy are carefully reviewed.
Diagnostic pathways are guided by clinical suspicion and may include:
All testing is performed and interpreted in line with national guidance, avoiding non-specific panels and ensuring results are clinically meaningful.
Management is individualised and based on accurate diagnosis, risk stratification and symptom burden.
Allergic disease frequently overlaps with other specialties. The service works closely with:
This coordinated approach supports safe, comprehensive care and appropriate escalation when required.
Appointments are clinician-led and structured to provide clarity and reassurance.
Clear written communication is provided to patients and referrers to support continuity of care.
Does a positive allergy test mean a true allergy is present?
No. Test results must be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical history.
Can food intolerance be mistaken for allergy?
Yes. Many food-related symptoms are not immune-mediated and require different management.
Are broad allergy panels recommended?
No. Targeted testing is recommended to avoid false-positive results and unnecessary restriction.
Can allergies develop in adulthood?
Yes. Adult-onset allergic disease is recognised and may present in varied ways.
What happens if no allergy is identified?
Alternative causes of symptoms are explored and appropriate referral or management is arranged.
Can results support NHS care?
Yes. Findings can inform NHS referral and shared care pathways where appropriate.
To book an appointment or discuss which clinician you should see first:
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
