Clinic closed Good Friday 3rd April and bank holiday Monday 6th April
Same/Next Day GP Appointments
Leading Day Surgery
Consultant Led Specialist Clinics
Clinic closed Good Friday 3rd April and bank holiday Monday 6th April
Same/Next Day GP Appointments
Leading Day Surgery
Consultant Led Specialist Clinics
The ALEX³ allergy test is one of the most advanced allergy tests available, screening for over 300 allergens in a single blood test. It combines traditional allergen extract testing with Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD) — a clinically validated approach that goes beyond standard allergy testing to deliver a more accurate and detailed picture of your immune responses.
The ALEX³ screens for allergens across all major categories, including:
Many people live with undiagnosed or misunderstood allergies. The ALEX³ test is important because it goes beyond a simple positive or negative result, helping to distinguish between true allergies and cross-reactions.
This is particularly valuable for individuals with complex symptoms, multiple allergies, or those at risk of severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. Early and accurate diagnosis through allergy testing can help prevent serious health risks and improve quality of life.
Your ALEX³ results will deliver a detailed breakdown of:
This level of detail allows for more personalised treatment plans, helping you and your clinician make informed decisions about managing your condition.
A full report will be sent to you, which will list over 300 allergens. A score will be given for everything you show a sensitivity to – they are colour coded so you can see those you are ‘most severly’ sensitive to. It is strongly advised that you share your results with either a GP or specialist, who will be able to help you understand what the results mean in terms of avoiding triggers or how to manage an allergic reaction. This is particularly important if your results show that you have a moderate or severe allergy to a substance.
Standard allergy tests — such as skin prick tests or basic IgE blood panels — provide limited information about the nature of a sensitisation. The ALEX³, by analysing both whole allergen extracts and their individual molecular components, offers a significantly more precise diagnosis. This supports clinicians in making better-informed decisions around dietary guidance, immunotherapy suitability, and anaphylaxis risk stratification.
For anyone in the UK living with complex or undiagnosed allergy symptoms, the ALEX³ provides a thorough, evidence-based starting point for effective allergy management.
Component-Resolved Diagnostics identifies the specific proteins within an allergen that trigger your immune system. Rather than simply confirming a reaction to, say, peanuts or birch pollen, CRD identifies exactly which molecular components are responsible. This is clinically significant because it helps distinguish between a true primary allergy and cross-reactive sensitisation — where the immune system reacts to similar proteins found across different substances.
This level of precision is particularly valuable for assessing the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and for patients managing multiple food allergies.
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden costs. The cost includes the price of the test and the blood draw. Your results will be sent via email to you.
Over 300 allergens tested
We are able to accept patients who are insured by AXA, WPA, Vitality and BUPA. Insurance policies vary so it is worth checking with your insurer as to what they will cover.
Dr Steve Bick is hugely experienced, having worked across a variety of settings, including primary care, the MOD, Prison service and the police service. Dr Bick brings a warm, compassionate approach to his work and prides himself on going the extra mile for his patients. We are thrilled to be able to welcome Dr Bick to the Haven Medical practice.Dr Bick enjoys a wide variety of hobbies outside of work, including his charity work for Sunshine with Smiles Trust.
Dr Naveen is an established GP who goes the extra mile to ensure the best health outcomes for her patients. Having worked in trauma and orthopaedics for many years, she also brings valuable experience from roles in Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Care of the Elderly. Combined with her many years in primary care, she offers a broad and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr Naveen also holds a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health, with a strong interest in contraceptive and sexual health concerns, and has completed diplomas in aesthetic medicine. Haven Medical are thrilled to have her work with us.
Dr Newman has over 40 years of experience as an NHS GP, trained in the traditional approach to medicine—focusing on listening to patients, conducting thorough examinations, and formulating tailored diagnoses and treatment plans. He is passionate about continuing this personalised style of care in a private practice setting. With extensive experience in rheumatology and a particular interest in mental health, he takes pride in helping patients navigate complex conditions with compassion and expertise.
Kate is an ENT consultant at the University Hospitals Dorset where she practices general, routine and emergency ENT. She has a special interest in laryngology and established the centre for Airway, Voice and Swallow at Poole Hospital.She has national and international research interests in the field of laryngology for which she travels widely lecturing, teaching and mentoring international surgeons. She is on the council of the British European Laryngological Association and the European Laryngology Society and as such has a depth of international colleagues to collaborate in her practice.All this is light relief from her real work a ...
Kate has extensive experience in managing acute illness & emergency medicine having worked as an intensive care and anaesthetic doctor for 10 years in London and Sydney, Australia.Since changing specialty to GP in 2017, she has worked as an NHS GP in London and most recently in Salzburg, Austria before returning to the UK.She has particular interest & experience in paediatrics but enjoys all aspects of general practice.Outside of work Kate enjoys an active life with her husband and three sons.
Dr Caroline Morgan BM (hons) DM FRCPDr Morgan is an experienced NHS consultant in Dermatology. She qualified from Southampton Medical School in 1994 with a bachelor of medicine with honours. After junior doctor jobs, she undertook a 2 year period of research into the skin absorption of drugs. She was awarded the Doctorate of Medicine in 2001, after which she joined the Wessex Dermatology Registrar training programme.Dr Morgan became a consultant dermatologist in 2006, practising at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, having spent the year before this in Australia specialising in skin cancer and dermatological surgery.As well as bein ...
Suranga is a consultant gastroenterologist at the University Hospitals Dorset, where he practices general, routine and emergency gastroenterology and endoscopy procedures.He has a subspecialist interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), having completed an advanced fellowship at the University Hospital Southampton where he was awarded a PhD for his research investigating the role of intestinal macrophages in IBD. He remains active in IBD clinical research. His other subspecialist interests are complex lower GI endoscopy and training others to perform endoscopy procedures.Beyond his clinical work, Suranga chairs the Dorset Gastroen ...
Dr Steve Bick is hugely experienced, having worked across a variety of settings, including primary care, the MOD, Prison service and the police service. Dr Bick brings a warm, compassionate approach to his work and prides himself on going the extra mile for his patients. We are thrilled to be able to welcome Dr Bick to the Haven Medical practice.Dr Bick enjoys a wide variety of hobbies outside of work, including his charity work for Sunshine with Smiles Trust.
Dr Naveen is an established GP who goes the extra mile to ensure the best health outcomes for her patients. Having worked in trauma and orthopaedics for many years, she also brings valuable experience from roles in Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Care of the Elderly. Combined with her many years in primary care, she offers a broad and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr Naveen also holds a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health, with a strong interest in contraceptive and sexual health concerns, and has completed diplomas in aesthetic medicine. Haven Medical are thrilled to have her work with us.
Dr Newman has over 40 years of experience as an NHS GP, trained in the traditional approach to medicine—focusing on listening to patients, conducting thorough examinations, and formulating tailored diagnoses and treatment plans. He is passionate about continuing this personalised style of care in a private practice setting. With extensive experience in rheumatology and a particular interest in mental health, he takes pride in helping patients navigate complex conditions with compassion and expertise.
Kate is an ENT consultant at the University Hospitals Dorset where she practices general, routine and emergency ENT. She has a special interest in laryngology and established the centre for Airway, Voice and Swallow at Poole Hospital.She has national and international research interests in the field of laryngology for which she travels widely lecturing, teaching and mentoring international surgeons. She is on the council of the British European Laryngological Association and the European Laryngology Society and as such has a depth of international colleagues to collaborate in her practice.All this is light relief from her real work a ...
Kate has extensive experience in managing acute illness & emergency medicine having worked as an intensive care and anaesthetic doctor for 10 years in London and Sydney, Australia.Since changing specialty to GP in 2017, she has worked as an NHS GP in London and most recently in Salzburg, Austria before returning to the UK.She has particular interest & experience in paediatrics but enjoys all aspects of general practice.Outside of work Kate enjoys an active life with her husband and three sons.
Dr Caroline Morgan BM (hons) DM FRCPDr Morgan is an experienced NHS consultant in Dermatology. She qualified from Southampton Medical School in 1994 with a bachelor of medicine with honours. After junior doctor jobs, she undertook a 2 year period of research into the skin absorption of drugs. She was awarded the Doctorate of Medicine in 2001, after which she joined the Wessex Dermatology Registrar training programme.Dr Morgan became a consultant dermatologist in 2006, practising at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, having spent the year before this in Australia specialising in skin cancer and dermatological surgery.As well as bein ...
Suranga is a consultant gastroenterologist at the University Hospitals Dorset, where he practices general, routine and emergency gastroenterology and endoscopy procedures.He has a subspecialist interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), having completed an advanced fellowship at the University Hospital Southampton where he was awarded a PhD for his research investigating the role of intestinal macrophages in IBD. He remains active in IBD clinical research. His other subspecialist interests are complex lower GI endoscopy and training others to perform endoscopy procedures.Beyond his clinical work, Suranga chairs the Dorset Gastroen ...
At Haven Medical, we offer a comprehensive range of private medical services across multiple specialities — all under one trusted roof. From diagnostics and consultations to specialist treatments and wellness programmes, our expert team is here to support every aspect of your health and wellbeing.
If you’re exploring private allergy testing, understanding the difference between a skin prick test and a blood allergy test can help you make the right choice for your health.
A skin prick test involves placing a small drop of an allergen onto the skin after making a tiny break in the surface, allowing the allergen to enter and trigger a localised response. A blood allergy test, by contrast, requires only a simple blood draw, which is then sent to an accredited laboratory and analysed for specific IgE antibodies against your chosen allergens.
Which is better – skin prick test or blood allergy test?
For most patients, a blood allergy test is the safer, more convenient, and more accurate option. Skin prick testing carries a risk of triggering the very symptoms you are trying to investigate — including itching, swelling, and in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction. Blood allergy testing eliminates this risk entirely, making it particularly well-suited to patients with eczema, sensitive skin, or those currently taking antihistamines, which can interfere with skin prick results.
Blood allergy tests also deliver measurable, quantifiable results — showing not just whether you are allergic to a substance, but how allergic you are. This level of detail supports more informed clinical decisions and personalised management plans.
For accurate allergy diagnosis, patient comfort, and reliable results, blood allergy testing is widely regarded as the gold standard.
A TDL allergy test result measures specific IgE antibodies in your blood to identify which substances may trigger allergic reactions. It can indicate the likelihood of an allergy and give a general idea of sensitivity level, often reported in graded ranges rather than exact severity. However, higher levels do not always predict how severe your symptoms will be in real life. Results should be interpreted alongside your medical history. After receiving your report, discuss it with a clinician, avoid confirmed triggers, and follow tailored advice such as medication, monitoring, or referral for further allergy management or specialist care if needed.
Yes. Allergy tests for children can be particularly important, giving understanding as to why a child might have a constantly running nose, a tight chest or a rash that comes and goes. We know that children might be scared of having some blood taken, which is why we offer numbing cream. This makes the blood draw almost undetectable. Our team of nurses are experienced at helping our younger patients feel comfortable.
It is important to seek medical advice if your allergy results show that you have a moderate or severe allergic reaction to a substance. There is a risk that exposure could result in a severe allergic reaction, which is some cases can be fatal. An appointment with one of our GPs is the best action to take. They will discuss your results with you, and advise on next steps, including whether a prescribe adrenaline pen (‘epipen’) is needed.
Yes. You can book an allergy test at Haven Medical without needing to see a doctor first. You will attend an appointment with one of our nursing team, who will take a small sample of blood. This will be sent to our partner lab who will analyse your blood sample for the allergens you have requested. A detailed allergy report will be sent to you, via email. The report is detailed and clearly shows those substances that you are showing a sensitivity to. As with any medical report, it is always advised that you seek further medical advise to ensure that any necessary precautions, such as carrying an adrenaline pen are put in place. This is particularly important if your results indicate you have a moderate to severe reaction to a substance.
No — and this is one of the key advantages of choosing a private blood allergy test over a skin prick test.
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which is why they must be stopped before skin prick testing — typically for at least 3 to 7 days beforehand, depending on the antihistamine — as they directly suppress the skin’s reaction to allergens and can produce false negative results.
A blood allergy test works differently. It measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream, which are produced by your immune system independently of antihistamine activity. Because antihistamines do not affect IgE antibody levels in the blood, they have no impact on the accuracy of your results.
This means you can take your regular antihistamines — whether cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, or chlorphenamine — right up to and including the day of your blood test, without any risk of compromising your results.
This makes private blood allergy testing particularly well-suited to patients with chronic urticaria, hay fever, eczema, or perennial allergic rhinitis, who may rely on daily antihistamines to manage their symptoms and find it difficult or uncomfortable to stop taking them
Absolutely. It’s common for children and adults to be scared of needles and worried about a blood draw. We offer numbing cream, which means the blood draw is virtually undetectable. Our nursing team are experienced at working with people who are scared of needles and we even have a paediatric nurse who has years of experience.
General information about Haven Medical and our services.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
Yes. Our doctors can refer patients directly into NHS pathways when appropriate, including urgent fast-track and two-week-wait referrals. If you need to have ongoing medication or other tests, and would like these carried out by the NHS, we can write to your GP to request this. Please note, there is no guarantee they will agree to ongoing treatment on the NHS.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions, please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.
Feel free to reach out through our Enquiry form for any questions you may have or if you need assistance with scheduling alternatives.
Please call on 01202 110303
Available Mon-Fri, 8.30am to 6.00pm
Haven Medical’s practice is conveniently located in Canfords Cliffs (just between Bournemouth and Poole) in Dorset.
15 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7LE
Mon-Fri: 08:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00
We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients through unhurried consultations and expert care you can depend on. Our experienced gastroenterology team is here when you need us, genuinely invested in your digestive health and wellbeing.
