Individual Allergen - OCCUPATIONAL

This test allows you to check for a specific allergy (IgE) response to individual substances encountered in the workplace. Certain materials used in industry and manufacturing can trigger allergic reactions, including work-related asthma, rhinitis, and skin reactions, sometimes developing after months or years of exposure. You can select the individual allergens you wish to test for from the list below.

How it works

• Choose the individual allergens you would like to test from the list below
• Each item is priced per marker, and you can select as many as you need
• A single blood sample is used to test all your chosen items

An important note on interpretation

This test measures the allergy (IgE) antibody response to a substance. A positive result indicates sensitisation, meaning your immune system has produced antibodies, but it is always interpreted alongside your symptoms and your exposure at work. Importantly, for several occupational substances, particularly the isocyanates, allergic reactions do not always involve this type of antibody, so a negative result does not rule out a work-related allergy or occupational asthma. For this reason, blood testing is only one part of the assessment, and occupational allergy is best investigated with specialist input. Any results should be discussed with your GP or an occupational health or allergy specialist.

A note on safety

If you have symptoms that come on or worsen at work, such as wheezing, breathlessness, a persistent cough, or a runny nose and eyes, and improve when you are away from work, this may indicate work-related asthma or allergy. This should be assessed properly, as continued exposure can cause lasting harm. Please seek advice from your GP or an occupational health specialist rather than relying on a blood test alone.

Why it matters

Occupational allergies are an important and sometimes serious cause of work-related ill health, and early identification can prevent lasting damage, particularly to the lungs. Knowing whether you are sensitised to a workplace substance can be a useful part of a wider assessment, helping to guide exposure control, workplace adjustments, and appropriate medical and occupational health advice.

• Isocyanate TDI (K75)
• Isocyanate MDI (K76)
• Isocyanate HDI (K77)
• Formaldehyde / formalin (K80)
• Latex (K82)
• Wood dust (K212)

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.