ALEX² Explorer
Multiplex IgE allergy profile
- 295 allergen components in one blood test
- Whole extracts + molecular markers
- Total IgE included for context
- Ideal for unexplained reactions, food / pollen / animal allergy
PRIVATE ALLERGY & FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTING
Pinpoint exactly what is triggering your symptoms.
ALEX² Explorer, ALEX³ molecular allergy testing and AESKU.CARE® food intolerance screening – the most comprehensive private allergy & intolerance profiles available in pharmacy.
No GP referral required. Every result is reviewed with you in a private consultation at Timperley Pharmacy.
🧬 Book ALEX² Explorer £300 — Call 0161 948 5066 ✨ Book ALEX³ NEW £360 — 300 allergens 🍽 Book AESKU.CARE® £200 — Call 0161 948 5066
- ✓ No GP referral
- ✓ Results reviewed in clinic
ALEX² in 7–10 working days. ALEX³ in 7–10 working days. AESKU.CARE® in 7–10 working days.
AT A GLANCE
Private allergy and food intolerance testing in Altrincham
Timperley Pharmacy offers three private allergy and intolerance tests for adults and children: ALEX² Explorer (295 allergen components), ALEX³ (300 allergens, RAVEN² interpretation guide) and AESKU.CARE® food intolerance screening. Tests are run from a single venepuncture, no GP referral is required, results take 7–10 working days and every report is reviewed with you in a private consultation.
- Tests offeredALEX² Explorer, ALEX³, AESKU.CARE®
- Sample typeSingle venepuncture (small blood draw)
- Turnaround7–10 working days
- ReferralNo GP referral required
- AgeAdults and children (age guidance on request)
- Area servedAltrincham, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, Sale, Urmston, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Alderley Edge and across Cheshire & Greater Manchester
CHOOSE YOUR TEST
Three private pathways — pick the one that fits your symptoms.
All tests use a quick venepuncture (a small blood sample) and are run in accredited laboratories. We review every result with you in clinic.
ALEX³
Next-generation molecular allergy profile
- 300 allergens, 85 allergen families, 107 exclusive markers
- 218 molecular components for precise sensitivity mapping
- Quantitative total IgE and severe-reaction risk markers
- Includes the RAVEN² interpretation guide for your doctor
From£360
Book ALEX³ £360 — 300 allergens AESKU.CARE®
Food intolerance screening
- Tests IgG-based food sensitivities from a single sample
- Helps identify trigger foods for bloating, fatigue, gut & skin symptoms
- Different from IgE allergy — not a substitute for ALEX testing
- Comes with a clear elimination / re-introduction framework
SIDE-BY-SIDE
ALEX² Explorer vs ALEX³ vs AESKU.CARE®
A quick comparison so you can choose with confidence. Not sure? Call us on 0161 948 5066 – we'll help you decide.
| ALEX² Explorer | ALEX³ NEW | AESKU.CARE® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it measures | IgE allergy (immediate) | IgE allergy (immediate) | IgG food intolerance (delayed) |
| Total allergens / foods | 295 components | 300 allergens | Common food panel |
| Molecular markers | Included | 218 molecular components | — |
| Allergen families covered | Broad | 85 families, 107 exclusive | — |
| Quantitative total IgE | ✓ | ✓ (with risk markers) | — |
| RAVEN² interpretation guide | — | ✓ | — |
| Best for | Hay fever, food / animal / venom allergy, unexplained reactions | Complex or severe allergy, immunotherapy planning, paediatric work-ups | Bloating, IBS-type symptoms, fatigue, skin issues linked to food |
| Sample | ~200 µl serum (venepuncture) | 100–200 µl serum (venepuncture) | Single venepuncture sample |
| Turnaround | 7–10 working days | 7–10 working days | 7–10 working days |
| GP referral needed | No | No | No |
| Price (from) | £300 | £360 | £200 |
| Call to book ALEX² | Book ALEX³ — £360 | Call to book AESKU |
SPOTLIGHT
ALEX³ – the most comprehensive molecular allergy test we offer
Developed by MacroArray Diagnostics (Vienna), ALEX³ measures specific IgE against 300 allergens and components in a single small blood sample. It includes 85 allergen families, 107 exclusive markers not found on other panels, and 218 molecular components for true precision medicine.
300
Allergens & components measured in one test
218
Molecular components for precise sensitivity mapping
85
Allergen families covered (food, pollen, mites, animals, venoms, moulds & more)
107
Exclusive markers not available on other multiplex tests
What your ALEX³ report will look like
Based on the official ALEX³ report structure, you'll receive a clearly laid-out PDF including:
- Patient & sample details — who, when, sample type
- Quantitative total IgE with reference range
- Severe-reaction risk markers highlighted at the top
- Inhalant allergens (pollen, mites, animal dander, moulds)
- Food allergens grouped by source
- Cross-reactive components (e.g. PR-10, profilins, LTPs)
- Venom & latex markers
- Molecular component breakdown per allergen source
- Result scale with colour-coded sensitivity bands
- RAVEN² interpretation guide for your doctor
- Sample QC and assay information
Result scale – how to read your numbers
All ALEX³ results are reported in kUA/L (kilounits of allergen-specific IgE per litre). Values are colour-coded:
< 0.1Negative
0.1 – 0.3Very low
0.3 – 1.0Low
1.0 – 5.0Moderate
5.0 – 15High
> 15Very high
Higher numbers mean stronger IgE sensitisation — but a positive result does not automatically mean a clinical allergy. Always interpret in the context of your symptoms and with a doctor.
Useful open-source documents
CLASSIC
ALEX² Explorer – the trusted 295-component profile
ALEX² (Allergy Explorer 2) is MacroArray Diagnostics' established multiplex IgE test. From one blood sample we measure 295 individual allergens and molecular components, including whole extracts plus the molecular markers that drive cross-reactivity.
- Whole extract + molecular components in a single test
- Strong coverage of foods, pollens, animal dander, moulds, mites, venoms
- Total IgE reported alongside specific IgE for context
- Excellent first-line test for unexplained reactions or generalised allergy
- Reviewed in clinic with you
FOOD INTOLERANCE
AESKU.CARE® food intolerance screening
AESKU.CARE® screens for IgG-based food sensitivities — the slower, food-driven reactions that often show up as bloating, gut discomfort, fatigue, headaches or persistent skin issues. It is not the same as an IgE allergy test and is not a substitute for ALEX²/ALEX³.
- Identifies a panel of common food triggers from a single sample
- Comes with a clear elimination & re-introduction framework
- Ideal for patients with persistent gut, skin or fatigue symptoms when allergy has been ruled out
- Always reviewed alongside diet history and clinical context
- 🍽 Important: IgG food sensitivity testing is debated clinically. We will explain its limitations honestly and recommend you discuss results with your GP or dietitian.
HOW IT WORKS
From booking to results – in four simple steps
- 1
Book online or call
Pick ALEX², ALEX³ or AESKU.CARE® and choose a convenient walk-in slot. No GP referral needed.
- 2
Quick venepuncture in clinic
A trained clinician takes a small blood sample at Timperley Pharmacy. The visit takes about 15 minutes.
- 3
Lab analysis
Your sample is processed in accredited labs. Most results return within 7–10 working days.
- 4
Results review with you
We review every result with you in a private consultation and explain the findings, next steps and any onward referral guidance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Your questions, answered
A quick guide to the most common things patients ask before booking. Tap any question to expand.
📄 Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We do, however, strongly recommend you discuss your results with your GP or an allergy specialist afterwards.
🧭 Which test should I pick: ALEX², ALEX³ or AESKU.CARE®?
If you have suspected IgE allergy (hay fever, food / animal reactions, asthma triggers), ALEX² or ALEX³ is the right pathway — ALEX³ adds 218 molecular components and the RAVEN² guide for more complex or severe cases. If you have delayed gut, fatigue or skin symptoms and allergy has been ruled out, AESKU.CARE® food intolerance may help identify trigger foods. Not sure? Call 0161 948 5066.
🍽 Is AESKU.CARE® the same as an allergy test?
No. AESKU.CARE® measures IgG-based food sensitivities, which are slower-onset and food-related. ALEX² and ALEX³ measure IgE-mediated allergies, which are typically rapid and can be severe. The two tests answer different clinical questions.
🔬 How accurate is ALEX³?
ALEX³ is a CE-marked in-vitro diagnostic test from MacroArray Diagnostics, validated against single-plex reference assays. It reports specific IgE quantitatively in kUA/L. As with all blood tests, results must be interpreted alongside your clinical history.
📖 What is the RAVEN² guide?
RAVEN² is the structured interpretation framework included with ALEX³ reports. It helps your doctor translate complex molecular IgE patterns into clear clinical advice — for example, distinguishing primary food allergy from cross-reactive pollen-related sensitivities.
⚠ Does a positive result mean I'm definitely allergic?
Not automatically. Sensitisation on a blood test means your immune system has produced IgE to that allergen, but you may or may not get clinical symptoms. Always interpret your results with a doctor.
🩺 Should I see my doctor afterwards?
Yes — we strongly recommend it. Share your full report with your GP or allergy specialist so they can use the findings. Do not start, stop or change medication, immunotherapy or strict food avoidance based on the report alone.
⏰ How long do results take?
ALEX², ALEX³ and AESKU.CARE® typically return within 7–10 working days. We'll book your results review as soon as your report is back.
💊 Is there any preparation needed?
No fasting required for any of these tests. If you take antihistamines, you can usually continue them — they do not affect IgE results. If you're unsure, call us before your appointment.
💷 How much do they cost?
ALEX² Explorer: £300. ALEX³: £360. AESKU.CARE®: £200. Prices include the clinic visit, sample collection, lab analysis and a results review consultation.
👶 Can children be tested?
Yes — ALEX² and ALEX³ are widely used in paediatric allergy work-ups. We will discuss suitability on the phone before booking children.
🛡 Is the test safe?
Yes. It's a routine venepuncture from a vein in your arm. There is no allergen challenge involved — the lab work is done on the blood sample.
🔐 Will my data be kept confidential?
Absolutely. Your sample and report are handled under GDPR with strict pharmacy confidentiality standards. We only share results with people you authorise.
🩺 What symptoms can private allergy testing help investigate?
Unexplained hives or rashes, recurrent itching, lip or eyelid swelling, blocked or runny nose with no clear cause, sneezing or watery eyes, wheeze or cough, persistent stomach pain, bloating, loose stools, eczema flares, and food-related reactions in adults and children. ALEX² and ALEX³ measure specific IgE against 295–300 allergens to identify the genuine trigger; AESKU.CARE® screens IgG-mediated food intolerances.
🧑⚕️ Who should consider an allergy test?
You should consider testing if you have repeat unexplained reactions, suspect a food, pollen, pet or insect allergen, plan elimination diets, want to confirm or rule out an allergy before travel, or your symptoms have not improved on antihistamines. Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis should also see an NHS allergy specialist.
🏥 How is private allergy testing different from the NHS pathway?
The NHS typically uses skin-prick testing or single-allergen ImmunoCAP blood tests after a long referral wait. Our private pathway uses molecular multiplex testing (ALEX² or ALEX³) which measures 295–300 allergens in a single sample, with no GP referral required and results in 7–10 working days.
🧬 What is the difference between ALEX, AESKU.CARE and skin-prick or ImmunoCAP testing?
ALEX² and ALEX³ are molecular multiplex IgE blood tests from MacroArray Diagnostics that measure hundreds of allergens at once and distinguish genuine sensitisation from cross-reactivity. ImmunoCAP measures one allergen at a time. Skin-prick testing requires stopping antihistamines and a clinic challenge. AESKU.CARE® is an IgG food intolerance screen, not an IgE allergy test.
🍝 Can a blood test tell the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
Yes. Food allergies are IgE-mediated and detected by ALEX² / ALEX³. Food intolerances are not IgE-mediated and are screened with AESKU.CARE® IgG panels. They are biologically different mechanisms and require different tests; we will help you choose the right one.
💊 Can I be tested if I have recently taken antihistamines or steroids?
Yes — unlike skin-prick testing, blood-based IgE tests (ALEX² and ALEX³) are not affected by antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists or short courses of oral steroids. There is no need to stop your medication before your blood draw.
🍃 Can the test diagnose hay fever, eczema or asthma?
The test identifies the specific allergens driving your symptoms (e.g. birch, grass, dust mite, cat, mould). A clinician then combines that with your history to support diagnosis and management of hay fever, allergic asthma or atopic eczema. The test itself does not name a condition — it names the triggers.
🔁 How often should I repeat the test?
Most adults retest every 3–5 years or when symptoms change significantly. Children may need retesting more often (every 1–2 years) as their allergen profile changes with age. A repeat test is also useful before starting or stopping immunotherapy.
🤰 Is the allergy blood test safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes, the blood draw and laboratory analysis are safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because no allergen is given to you. However, do not start, stop or change any treatment, immunotherapy or food avoidance during pregnancy without speaking to your obstetrician or GP first.
🍽️ Do I need to fast before my allergy or intolerance blood test?
No fasting is required for ALEX², ALEX³ or AESKU.CARE®. Eat and drink normally and stay well hydrated — hydration makes the venepuncture easier.
🔐 How is my sample and personal data handled?
Your sample is processed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory under chain-of-custody. Your personal data and results are handled under UK GDPR with pharmacy confidentiality standards. We share results only with you and with anyone you explicitly authorise.
📍 Do you accept patients from outside Altrincham?
Yes. We see patients from Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, Sale, Urmston, Stretford, Wythenshawe, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Chester and across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. We are a short drive from the M56 (junction 7), Altrincham Metrolink and the Trafford Centre.
Ready to find your trigger?
Book ALEX² Explorer, ALEX³ or AESKU.CARE® food intolerance screening at Timperley Pharmacy today.
🧬 Book ALEX² Explorer £300 — Call 0161 948 5066 ✨ Book ALEX³ £360 — 300 allergens 🍽 Book AESKU.CARE® £200 — Call 0161 948 5066
Or call 0161 948 5066 — we'll help you choose the right test.