What is the Alex 2 IgE Allergy Test?
The Alex 2 IgE allergy test is a cutting-edge blood test available in the UK that identifies allergic sensitivities to 295 allergens (178 allergen molecules & 117 extracts), from broad spectrum of allergen sources foods to environmental triggers. Using microarray technology, it provides precise results by measuring specific IgE antibodies in your blood. Ideal for those seeking remote allergy testing, this test can be done at home with a simple finger-prick kit (required sumple volume only of 100-200μL).
How Does the Alex 2 Allergy Test Work?
- Microarray Chip Technology: A tiny chip coated with microscopic allergen spots reacts with your blood sample. Each spot represents a unique allergen component.
- IgE Detection: The test measures IgE antibodies produced in response to allergens, highlighting your immune system’s reactions.
- Remote Testing: Order a kit online, collect a small blood sample at home, and mail it to a lab. Results are delivered digitally within days.
Allergens Tested on the Alex 2 IgE Chip
The Alex 2 chip tests 295 allergens, including:
Inhalant Allergens
- Pollen: Birch (Bet v 1), Grass (Phl p 5), Ragweed (Amb a 1).
- Dust Mites: Der p 1, Der f 1.
- Animal Dander: Cat (Fel d 1), Dog (Can f 1).
- Molds: Alternaria, Cladosporium.
Food Allergens
- Nuts: Peanut (Ara h 2), Hazelnut (Cor a 9), Almond (Pru du 6).
- Dairy: Cow’s milk (Bos d 8), Egg white (Gal d 1).
- Seafood: Shrimp (Pen m 1), Codfish (Gad m 1).
- Grains/Legumes: Wheat (Tri a 19), Soy (Gly m 4).
Other Triggers
- Insect Venoms: Bee (Api m 1), Wasp (Ves v 5).
- Latex: Hev b 5.
- Full list of allergens and components is provided here
Key Components of the Alex 2 Test
- Molecular Allergens: Purified proteins (e.g., Ara h 2 in peanuts) reduce cross-reactivity for accurate results.
- Allergen Extracts: Traditional mixtures (e.g., whole pollen) for broad detection.
- CCD Blocking: Blocks sugars (Cross-Reactive Carbohydrate Determinants) that cause false positives, improving accuracy.
- Total IgE Measurement: Assesses overall allergy burden. High levels suggest active allergies but don’t specify triggers.
Why Choose the Alex 2 Test in the UK?
- Convenience: Remote allergy testing eliminates clinic visits.
- Comprehensive: Covers rare and common allergens.
- Accuracy: CCD blocking minimises false positives.
- Speed: Results in days, with clear digital reports.
FAQs
Can I test for allergies remotely?
Yes! The Alex 2 test offers home kits with easy sample collection.
What is CCD blocking?
It’s a process that stops harmless plant/insect sugars from triggering false positives.
Is total IgE important?
Yes – high total IgE supports allergy diagnosis but pairs best with specific IgE results.
Can I order the test online?
Yes – Alex 2 test is available remotely you can order it here (please contact our team 02031433449).
Main allergen components
| Biochemical Designation | Common Allergens | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-Expansin | Bermuda grass, Timothy, Perennial ryegrass | Beta-expansins are pollen allergens involved in cell wall loosening during plant growth. They are highly immunogenic and a major cause of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma exacerbations. Sensitisation to these proteins is strongly associated with grass pollen allergies, particularly in temperate climates. Cross-reactivity between different grass species is common due to structural similarities. |
| Polcalcin | Timothy, Alder | Polcalcins are calcium-binding proteins found in pollen. They are pan-allergens with cross-reactivity across plant species (e.g., trees, grasses, weeds). Sensitisation to polcalcins often correlates with severe, persistent allergic symptoms, including rhinitis and asthma. Their stability and resistance to degradation contribute to prolonged allergenicity. |
| Profilin | Timothy, Silver birch, Date palm, Muskmelon, Mugwort | Profilins are actin-binding proteins present in pollen, plant foods, and latex. They are pan-allergens linked to pollen-food syndrome (e.g., oral allergy symptoms to fruits/vegetables). Sensitisation to profilins may explain cross-reactivity between unrelated species (e.g., birch pollen and apple). Symptoms are typically mild but can exacerbate in polysensitised individuals. |
| PR-10 | Silver birch, Hazelnut, Soy, Apple, Carrot, Celery | Pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR-10) is a heat-labile allergen found in pollen, fruits, and vegetables. It is the primary cause of birch pollen-associated food allergy syndrome (e.g., apple, hazelnut). Symptoms include oral itching, swelling, and gastrointestinal discomfort. PR-10 sensitisation is common in Northern Europe due to high birch pollen exposure. |
| nsLTP (Non-specific Lipid Transfer Protein) | Mugwort, Peach, Hazelnut, Walnut, Corn, Tomato, Hemp, Wall pellitory, Olive | nsLTPs are heat-stable allergens resistant to digestion, causing systemic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis). They are prevalent in Mediterranean regions, where peach allergy (Pru p 3) is a hallmark. Cross-reactivity between plant-derived nsLTPs (e.g., mugwort and peach) is common. These allergens are associated with severe food allergies and less likely to cause oral symptoms alone. |
| Ole e 1 Family | Ash, Lamb’s quarters, Ribwort | Proteins in the Ole e 1 family are major pollen allergens in trees and weeds. They share structural homology, leading to cross-reactivity (e.g., ash and olive pollen). Sensitisation contributes to seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma. Their glycosylation patterns enhance IgE binding, increasing allergenic potential. |
| Pectate Lyase | Arizona cypress, Ragweed, Sugi | Pectate lyases are enzymes involved in plant cell wall breakdown. They are potent allergens in cypress, ragweed, and Japanese cedar pollen. Exposure is linked to allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, particularly in regions with high cypress or ragweed pollen counts. Cross-reactivity between pectate lyases from different species may explain co-sensitisation patterns. |
| Lipocalin | Cat, Dog, Horse, Cattle, Mouse | Lipocalins are carrier proteins in animal dander, urine, and saliva. Fel d 4 (cat) and Can f 1 (dog) are major triggers of pet allergies, causing rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctivitis. Their small size allows deep inhalation into airways. Lipocalins are stable and persist in environments, contributing to chronic symptoms in sensitised individuals. |
| Tropomyosin | Shrimp, Mites, Cockroaches | Tropomyosin is a heat-stable muscle protein and a pan-allergen in invertebrates (e.g., crustaceans, insects). It drives cross-reactivity between shellfish, house dust mites, and cockroaches (e.g., shrimp-mite syndrome). Sensitisation is linked to respiratory allergies (asthma) and food-related anaphylaxis. Prevalence is higher in coastal regions with high shellfish consumption. |
| Parvalbumin | Atlantic cod, Herring, Mackerel, Carp, Salmon, Tuna, Swordfish, Thornback ray | Parvalbumin is the major allergen in fish, responsible for IgE-mediated fish allergy. It is heat-stable and resistant to cooking, causing reactions ranging from oral allergy syndrome to anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity between fish species is common. Sensitisation often persists into adulthood and is prevalent in populations with high fish consumption. |
| 2S Albumin | Brazil nut, Mustard, Sesame, Walnut, Peanut, Poppy seed, Pistachio | 2S albumins are seed storage proteins and potent food allergens. They are heat-stable and resistant to digestion, causing severe reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis to peanuts or tree nuts). Sensitisation to 2S albumins (e.g., Ara h 2 in peanuts) is a key diagnostic marker for predicting clinical reactivity. |
| Serum Albumin | Cat, Dog, Horse, Beef, Pig | Serum albumins are heat-labile proteins found in animal blood and tissues. They are minor allergens in pet dander and meat (e.g., Bos d 6 in beef). Sensitisation may cause mild allergic reactions but is often clinically irrelevant unless combined with other allergens. Cross-reactivity between mammalian serum albumins (e.g., cat, pork) can occur, leading to the “pork-cat syndrome” in rare cases. |
| Thaumatin-like Protein (TLP) | Apple | TLPs are defence-related plant proteins linked to fruit allergies. Mal d 2 in apples may cause oral allergy syndrome (itching, swelling) in birch pollen-sensitised individuals due to cross-reactivity. Symptoms are usually mild but can worsen with raw fruit consumption. |
| Oleosin | Peanut | Oleosins are oil-body proteins in seeds and nuts. Ara h 15 in peanuts is a minor allergen but may contribute to severe reactions in highly sensitised individuals. Oleosins are resistant to processing, posing risks in both raw and cooked forms. |
| Class 1 Chitinase | Latex | Hev b 11 in latex is a chitinase enzyme linked to latex-fruit syndrome (cross-reactivity with avocado, banana). It can trigger contact urticaria, anaphylaxis, or respiratory symptoms in healthcare workers or frequent latex users. |
| Arginine Kinase | Mites, Cockroaches, Shrimp | Arginine kinase is an invertebrate pan-allergen. Exposure via inhalation (dust mites, cockroaches) or ingestion (shrimp) can induce asthma, rhinitis, or food allergy. Cross-reactivity between arthropods explains co-sensitisation (e.g., mite-shrimp allergy). |
| Gibberellin-Regulated Protein | Peach | Pru p 7 in peaches is a gibberellin-regulated protein associated with severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis). It is resistant to heat and digestion, posing risks even in processed foods. Sensitisation is prevalent in Mediterranean countries. |