Treatments

ISAC Molecular Allergy Testing in Leicester

A Highly Detailed Molecular Allergy Panel for Complex Allergy Cases

The ImmunoCAP ISAC test is an advanced molecular allergy blood test at The Health Suite Leicester that analyses over 100 allergen components using microarray technology. It is designed for patients with complicated allergy presentations, multiple suspected triggers, or unusual reactions where standard testing may not provide enough clarity.

What the ISAC Test Includes

Blood sampling at The Health Suite, Leicester
Analysis of over 100 molecular allergen components
Identification of IgE sensitisation at the molecular level
Detection of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs)
A detailed laboratory report sent to your clinician

No follow-up appointment is included with this test. If interpretation support is required, a consultation can be booked separately.

When ISAC Testing May Be Helpful

ISAC is particularly useful when:

Multiple allergies or unclear reactions are suspected
Symptoms do not match results from skin prick tests
ALEX² testing is not required or has already been performed
There is suspected cross-reactivity (e.g., birch pollen and fruits)
A child has eczema or asthma requiring deeper allergen understanding
There is a history of anaphylaxis with unclear triggers
Adults or teenagers have difficult-to-explain reactions

ISAC can be used for both adults and children.

How ISAC Complements Skin Prick Testing and ALEX²

Skin Prick Testing (SPT):

First-line for most children
Immediate results
Ideal for common food and environmental allergens

ALEX²:

Broadest allergen panel (up to 300 allergens)
Combine extracts + components

ISAC:

Focuses on molecular component analysis (over 100 components)
Provides precision when specific proteins need to be identified
Useful in complex, multi-sensitised patients

Each test has a different purpose. ISAC is not a “replacement” test; it is a refinement tool for complex cases.

What ISAC Does NOT Diagnose

Food intolerances
Non-IgE-mediated digestive symptoms
Lactose intolerance
Coeliac disease
Delayed reactions independent of IgE

A clinician will advise if additional testing is needed.

This page describes the ISAC test only. A clinical consultation is NOT included. If booking directly for a child who has not been assessed at The Health Suite, a paediatric allergy consultation is required before the test can be approved. ISAC complements our existing allergy services, including skin prick testing and ALEX² testing, offering additional insight when required.

Why choose The Health Suite for ISAC Molecular Allergy Testing?

Precision in Complex Cases
The ISAC test analyses over 100 allergen components at the molecular level, providing detailed insights into complex or multi-allergen sensitivities that standard testing may miss.
Expert Clinical Support
Our specialists ensure the test is clinically appropriate, interpret results accurately, and help families understand cross-reactivity patterns and risk-associated allergens for safe, informed management.
Complementary Allergy Services
ISAC is integrated with our full allergy service, including skin prick testing and ALEX², allowing a complete, personalised assessment for children and adults with multiple or unclear allergic reactions.

How the ISAC Test Works

01
Pre-Assessment Requirement
If a child has not been seen previously at The Health Suite for allergy concerns, an initial paediatric allergy consultation is required before ISAC can be booked. This ensures:
- The test is appropriate
- The child’s symptoms warrant molecular testing
- Skin prick testing or ALEX² might be more suitable
Blood Sample Collection
A simple blood test is performed by our clinical team.
03
Laboratory Microarray Analysis
ISAC uses molecular microarray technology to measure specific IgE to allergen components, offering detailed insights into:
- Food allergens
- Pollens
- Pets
- Dust mites
- Moulds
- Venoms
- Cross-reactive Proteins
04
Comprehensive Report
The clinician receives a full molecular-level profile, including:
- IgE binding to individual allergen proteins
- Identification of cross-reactivity patterns
- Risk-associated components
- CCD markers
Optional Interpretation Consultation
An optional review appointment can be arranged if families wish to discuss results and develop a management plan.

FAQ

Common Q&A about ISAC Molecular Allergy Testing

Checklist

Symptom checker

Does your child or adult have multiple or unclear allergy reactions?
ISAC is ideal when symptoms do not match standard skin prick or ALEX² tests, helping identify hidden allergen triggers at the molecular level.
Are skin rashes, hives, or eczema unexplained by standard testing?
Complex or persistent skin reactions can be clarified by molecular IgE profiling with ISAC for precise allergen identification.
Do digestive or respiratory symptoms occur after unknown exposures?
ISAC detects IgE sensitisation to foods, pollens, pets, dust, moulds, and venoms to pinpoint elusive allergy triggers.
Have previous tests failed to explain cross-reactivity?
ISAC maps molecular-level patterns to detect cross-reactive allergens, such as birch pollen with certain fruits, for tailored management.
Is your child at risk of severe reactions or anaphylaxis with unknown triggers?
ISAC helps identify high-risk allergen proteins, providing detailed insights to guide avoidance and safety strategies.
Do you want a more detailed allergy profile beyond standard tests?
ISAC complements skin prick and ALEX² testing, offering focused molecular analysis for complex, multi-sensitised patients.

Related treatments

What we treat

Complex or multi-sensitised allergies
Detailed profiling for patients with multiple triggers or unclear reactions.
Food allergens
Identification of molecular-level sensitisation to common and rare foods.
Environmental allergens
Detection of pollens, pets, dust mites, moulds, and venom sensitivities.
Cross-reactivity mapping
Recognises molecular links between allergens to inform avoidance and management plans.
Support for eczema, asthma, or high-risk cases
Provides insight for conditions requiring detailed IgE analysis.
many more
Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.