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

Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a protein in a specific food, triggering a range of symptoms from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. In Ireland, food allergy diagnoses have increased significantly over the past two decades — a trend mirrored across the developed world.

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

The most common food allergens — responsible for over 90% of all food allergy reactions — are:

• Cow's milk (particularly in infants and toddlers)
• Hen's eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.)
• Wheat and gluten
• 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): The most common first-line investigation. Small amounts of allergen extracts are placed on the forearm and the skin is lightly pricked. If you are allergic, a small wheal (bump) forms at the test site within 15–20 minutes. The test is quick, generally well-tolerated, and suitable for children from infancy. Results are available immediately.

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: Used to diagnose delayed-type (non-IgE) food allergies and contact allergies. Allergen patches are applied to the back and left in place for 48 hours before reading.

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).

Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) is now available for some food allergies and can significantly reduce the severity of reactions over time — particularly for peanut allergy in children.

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.