Top-down approach
Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics Ireland conducts specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests on behalf of the clinician.
Allergy testing
Around 450,000 people in Ireland are living with asthma. Many children with food allergies also experience one or more associated allergic conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. The diagnosis of allergic disease is a complex, multi‑step process, often requiring a combination of clinical assessments and specialised diagnostic testing. A range of tools may be used to support accurate diagnosis, including:
Skin testing
- Skin prick tests - Intradermal tests - Patch testing
Laboratory testing
- Total IgE - Specific IgE - Basophil Activation Test (BAT)
These diagnostic approaches enable clinicians to identify allergic triggers accurately and guide appropriate patient management.
Comprehensive allergy testing menu
The ultimate value of allergy testing depends on thorough pre‑test history‑taking and physical examination. The clinical judgement of the healthcare provider greatly influences the predictive value of allergy testing and appropriate interpretation of test results. A clinician can choose a 'Top-Down' or 'Bottom Up' approach.
Below are examples of the allergens we test for. For test codes and samples requirements, please consult our test guide for test codes, sample requirements etc. Visit Thermofisher website for allergen codes e.g. E1 is cat dander. Eurofins can build customised test panels for your clinic. Contact your local Laboratory.
| Single Allergen |
Whatever molecule the clinician suspects |
| Food Allergens |
Peanut, hazelnut, brazil nut, almond, coconut, pork, beef, egg yolk, chicken, turkey, cod, shrimp, blue mussel, tuna, salmon, oat, corn, sesame seed, buckwheat, egg white, milk, wheat, soya, tomato, yeast, garlic, onion, celery, caraway, mace, cardamon, clove, basil, fennel, ginger, anise, orange, apple, cocoa, kiwi, melon, banana, grape, crab, strawberry, rice |
| Occupational Allergens |
Latex, metals (nickel, cobalt), chemicals like isocyanates, wood dust |
| Inhalant Allergens |
Cat dander, dog dander, horse dander, cow dander, bermuda grass, rye grass, timothy grass, meadow grass, johnson grass, bahia grass, Hollister-Stier labs, house dust mite (D pteronyssinus & farinae), cockroach, penicillium notatum, cladosporium herbarum, aspergillus fumigatus, alternaria alternata, box-elder Tree, common silver birch tree, hazel tree, oak tree, sycamore tree |
| Children & Young Infants Panel |
Cow's milk, peanuts, hen's eggs, soya, wheat |
| IGg & IgG4 monitoring |
Specialised testing to support the monitoring of desensitisation and immunotherapy progress. |
Bottom-up approach
Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics Ireland offers ALEX®, a next generation test covering over 280 molecules (more than 218 molecular allergens, including 109 exclusive components) that assesses a patient’s allergen sensitisation.
ALEX® provides information on allergy risks, cross reactivities, and the presence of allergens not initially suspected, as well as indicating the suitability of a specific immunotherapy.
Click below to view the Alex allergen list and brochure.
Helpful tips from a Eurofins pathologist
A positive serum specific IgE test does not necessarily indicate an allergy, but is a useful indicator when interpreted (with caution) in conjunction with other clinical assessments to confirm allergy.
Sensitisation vs. allergy
A high level of specific IgE may indicate sensitisation to an allergen, but it does not mean that a clinically significant allergic reaction is occurring. Some people may be sensitised without showing symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical symptoms and medical history.
Cross-reactions
Certain IgE antibodies may react with similar allergens (structural homology between the allergens' molecular components), giving positive results that do not correspond to a real allergy to the allergen tested.
Additional tests
Additional tests, such as skin tests or symptom evaluation, are often necessary to establish a precise diagnosis.
Individual factors
Factors such as age, other pathologies and genetics can influence IgE assay results and allergic reaction.
Client testimonial
In October 2026, the Paediatric Allergy Clinic in St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny achieved accreditation as an Anaphylaxis Centre of Reference and Excellence (ANACARE) by the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA²LEN), to become Ireland's first and only centre to hold this international accreditation.
“This world-class achievement would not have been possible without support from Eurofins Biomnis in providing state of the art diagnostics. We also want to take this opportunity to thank Eurofins Biomnis for their continued support, which previously helped us secure our GA²LEN ADCARE (Atopic Dermatitis Centre of Excellence) status. Together, these dual accolades place St Luke's at the absolute forefront of international allergy care”.
- Dr V Morris FRCPCH
Consultant in General Paediatrics & Paediatric Allergy
St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny
Cellular and mediator assays
In cases where IgE results are inconclusive, Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics Ireland provides advanced cellular diagnostics, including:
- Basophil activation test (BAT): A functional assay for complex drug or food hypersensitivities.
- Tryptase and histamine levels: Vital markers for mast cell activation and systemic reactions.
Find a local laboratory
Three Rock Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin,D18 A4C0, Ireland