Allergy blood test or skin prick test?
Medical reviewer: Dr Shahbaz Afzal, Consultant, Family Medicine, DHA licence 26118581 · Reviewed 2026-10-27
What each test measures
Both tests look for IgE, the antibody involved in allergic reactions. A skin prick test places a drop of allergen on the skin and watches for a raised, itchy bump. A blood test measures IgE to each allergen in a laboratory.
Side-by-side
| Skin prick test | ALEX² blood test | |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Small pricks on the forearm | One small blood sample |
| Antihistamines | Usually stopped several days before | Can continue |
| Number of allergens | Usually a selected handful | About 300, including molecular components |
| Skin conditions | Harder with widespread eczema | Not affected |
| Where | Specialist clinic | Our clinic or at home in Dubai |
Limits of both
A positive result on either test shows sensitisation, not necessarily allergy. A negative result makes allergy less likely but does not fully rule it out. Neither test predicts how severe a future reaction will be.
Sometimes a specialist will recommend a supervised food challenge, which remains the most direct way to confirm a food allergy.
Which might suit you
A blood test often suits children who find pricks distressing, people who cannot stop antihistamines, people with extensive eczema, and anyone with many possible triggers. A skin prick test can suit someone with one clear suspected trigger under specialist care. A GP can advise before you book.
Questions
Do I need to stop antihistamines for a blood test?
No. Blood allergy tests are not affected by antihistamines, but tell us about any medicines you take.
Is a blood test suitable for young children?
Yes, ALEX² is available from age 2 and needs only a small blood sample.
ALEX² allergy test · AED 1,700 · GP review included
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