Please see below for frequently asked questions about our laboratory services. Contact our laboratory manager Dr Jennifer Canizales for further information on all of the below.
- Measurement of specific IgE and IgG antibodies to allergens
- Bespoke specific IgE assays for novel occupational and environmental allergens
- Precipitation assays for the measurement of specific IgG antibodies
- T cell (lymphocyte) proliferation assays to beryllium
- Aeroallergen measurements
- Research and development of new diagnostic assays
- Specialist advice on diagnostic assays and interpretation of results
- Immunological health surveillance
We require a minimum of 5ml whole blood collected in a serum (clot activator) tube.
Sample tubes should be placed in a secondary plastic container and then packaged in a padded envelope or cardboard transport box.
The outer packaging must be clearly labelled UN3373 and marked as "Diagnostic Specimen" or "Clinical Specimen".
A completed request form must accompany each sample, including patient details and the tests requested.
Please see our sample packaging instructions for further details.
Samples should arrive to the laboratory within 2 to 3 days of blood collection to ensure sample integrity.
We recommend First Class, Same-Day, or Next-Day delivery to minimise transit time.
Yes. Please avoid posting samples that will arrive to the laboratory on Friday afternoons. Also avoid posting samples immediately before bank holiday weekends, as delays may compromise sample quality.
Please address samples to:
Jennifer Canizales / Samantha Marsh
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
National Heart & Lung Institute
Guy Scadding Building
Dovehouse Street
London SW3 6LY
Occupational allergen testing for IgE sensitisation is caried out using two methods.
The method used depends on the allergen being tested.
For a small number of allergens we can use the commercial ImmunoCAP system, which typically has a turnaround time of approximately two weeks.
For most occupational allergens, we use the Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST). The RAST has a longer turnaround time due to the complexity of methods involved.
Unlike automated commercial systems, each RAST requires the in-house preparation of allergen extracts and is performed using a labour-intensive manual process involving radioactive reagents under strictly controlled conditions.
The turnaround times for RAST results are generally 3-4 weeks but can take longer depending on the allergen in question, please contact us if you have any questions about this.
Please note that these turnaround times apply to specific-IgE testing only. Turnaround times for other services, including IgG precipitins, IgG testing, Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Tests (BeLPT), aeroallergen measurements, and other specialist assays, may differ. Please contact Jennifer Canizales for further information.
We recommend discussing your testing requirements with the laboratory manager (j.canizales@imperial.ac.uk) before sending samples. This allows us to confirm whether the allergen is commercially available or whether a sample of the allergen will need to be provided.
No. If you have not been set up as a customer with our laboratory service, you must contact the laboratory manager (j.canizales@imperial.ac.uk) before sending any samples. New users must be registered with the laboratory service before samples can be accepted and tested.
Please contact the laboratory manager (j.canizales@imperial.ac.uk) before sending samples and if you would like advice on allergen availability, sample requirements, or testing options.
