ALEX² Advanced Allergy Test in Dubai

What is ALEX²?

ALEX² (Allergy Explorer) is a laboratory blood test made by MADx (Macro Array Diagnostics). From one small blood sample it checks your immune system's IgE antibodies against about 300 allergens at once.

Your sample is processed at Biosytech Medical Laboratory (CAP, EIAC and JCI accredited).

What does ALEX² measure?

It measures total IgE, a general marker of allergic sensitisation, and specific IgE to each allergen on the panel.

CCD blocking filters out cross-reactive carbohydrate antibodies, which often produce positive results that are not clinically relevant.

What allergens are included?

The panel covers 117 allergen extracts and molecular components across foods, nuts and seeds, seafood, milk and egg, grass, tree and weed pollens, dust mites, animals, moulds and insect venoms. It includes allergens relevant in the Gulf, such as date palm pollen, Bermuda grass and camel. Search the full list below.

Understanding molecular allergen components

An extract contains everything from a source, such as the whole peanut. A molecular component is one individual protein within it, such as Ara h 2 from peanut.

Different proteins carry different meanings. Some are more often linked with stronger reactions, while others are commonly shared with pollens. This helps your GP interpret results, though no blood test can predict the severity of a reaction with certainty.

Who might benefit from testing?

Adults and children from age 2 with symptoms such as recurring sneezing or blocked nose, itchy eyes, eczema, hives, wheeze, or reactions after eating certain foods. It can also help people with many possible triggers, or those who cannot stop antihistamines for skin-prick testing.

When a smaller targeted test may be more suitable

If your symptoms clearly point to one or two triggers, a targeted test may answer the question more simply. Testing for allergens you have no symptoms with can produce positive results that do not matter clinically. Message us first and a GP will advise which test fits.

How the blood test works

A small blood sample is taken at our Business Bay clinic, or by a nurse at your home. No fasting is needed and antihistamines do not need to be stopped, though please tell us about any medicines you take.

Understanding positive and negative results

A positive result shows sensitisation: your body has made IgE to that allergen. Sensitisation is not the same as clinical allergy. Many people are sensitised to something without ever reacting to it.

A negative result makes allergy to that allergen less likely, but does not rule it out entirely. Results always need to be read alongside your symptoms and history.

What happens during the GP review?

A GP goes through every result with you, explains which ones matter for your symptoms, and gives you a written plan. This may include avoidance advice, treatment options or further steps.

When might specialist referral be needed?

If results suggest a risk of severe reactions, are unclear, or you may need supervised food challenges or immunotherapy, your GP can refer you to an allergy specialist.