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
A simple blood test for the most common allergies that cause rhinitis and asthma symptoms – in one simple blood test. It is strongly advised that you share your results with a doctor or allergy specialist who will be able to advice on next steps if needed. This is vitally important if your results suggest a moderate to significant allergy.
Using a sample of blood, the rhinitis and asthma profile tests for a reaction against the following substances:
This profile tests a sample of your blood against the most common allergens that can result in the symptoms of rhinits and asthma. It does this by looking at:
IgE Antibodies: These are specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens. The test measures total IgE levels and specific IgE for common allergens.
Environmental Allergens: The profile may include testing for allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and moulds that could trigger rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
Other Immune Markers: Additional markers may be evaluated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of your allergic responses.
Individuals with Persistent Allergy Symptoms: Those experiencing ongoing symptoms of rhinitis or asthma, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and wheezing.
Patients with Uncontrolled Asthma: Individuals whose asthma symptoms are not well-managed, despite treatment.
The rhinitis and asthma allergy profile analyses your blood sample for the most common allergens that can trigger rhinitis and / or asthma. For a complete profile, you may want to consider the ALEX³ allergy tests, which covers over 300 allergens and gives a detailed breakdown of your sensitivities.
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, which can lead to a variety of symptoms affecting the nose and surrounding areas. It can be a result of allergies (for some it is caused by viral infections or changes in temperature).
Symptoms of Rhinitis
Sneezing
Nasal congestion or blockage
Unable to breath clearly through nostrils
Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
Post-nasal drip
Rhinitis can significantly impact on your quality of life – people with rhinitis may be ‘mouth breathers’ and find it difficult to exercise, or they may constantly report a cold or runny nose. Understanding what causes the rhinitis (allergies or other reasons) is the first step to gaining control and finding the right treatment route.
Asthma is a respiratory condition, where the airways are inflammed and narrowed, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. Around 60-80% of people in the UK with asthma have allergic asthma, meaning their symptoms are triggered by allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites and mould.
Symptoms of asthma vary in intensity and may include:
Wheezing: A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, particularly during exhalation.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless during physical activity or at rest.
Chest Tightness or Pain: A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest.
Coughing: Frequent coughing, especially at night or during physical exertion. This can be a dry cough or may produce mucus.
Symptoms Specific to Allergy-Induced Asthma:
Increased Wheezing and Shortness of Breath: Symptoms may worsen during allergy seasons or when exposed to specific allergens.
Nasal Symptoms: Many individuals with allergy-induced asthma also experience rhinitis symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
Coughing Fits: Often occur after exposure to allergens or during physical activity.
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.
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.
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.
