Allergy Testing: Life or Death
Last Updated: 10th November 2022 · Written by Kate Young
More than 1 in 5 people live with allergies in the UK. For many of them, their symptoms are manageable – but for others, their allergies are so severe that everyday life is a serious hazard.
Since 2002, the number of patients admitted to hospital after suffering an allergic reaction to food has more than doubled. At its most extreme, this can cause anaphylaxis – a life-threatening immune response which kills around 20 people in the UK every year.
With the number of allergy sufferers increasing, it’s never been more important to understand your own sensitivities. If you suspect you could be allergic to a certain ingredient – from peanuts to sesame seeds, milk to mustard – it’s vital to get tested.
In this blog post, we’ll be explaining why allergy testing really can be a matter of life or death.

Why is allergy testing so important?
It identifies your allergen accurately
There are more than 40 common food allergens – but the truth is, there’s almost no limit to the types of products you can be allergic to.
Some of the more unusual foods which people have reported allergies to are rapeseed oil, garlic, kiwi fruits, and citric acid. Unlike known allergens such as dairy or nuts, these foods can be much harder to identify as the culprit if you’ve started experiencing allergy symptoms.
Allergy testing enables you to identify your allergens quickly and accurately, without having to experiment with cutting foods out of your diet. If your allergies are severe, trial and error is never a safe tactic – especially if you’re allergic to a lesser-known allergen which isn’t always flagged on ingredients lists.
You can rule out other conditions
From digestive issues to eczema, the symptoms of an allergy are rarely unique. By taking an allergy test, you can help to rule out a variety of other conditions such as IBS, chronic fatigue, and even more serious diseases such as cancer.
When it comes to our health, knowledge is power, and allergy testing is no exception. Because it’s possible to develop new allergies as you get older, you should never ignore new symptoms when they arise. Instead, get them checked so you can live your life free from fear.
Order your allergy test today
If you suspect that you or your loved one could be suffering from an allergy, don’t delay. By ordering an allergy test from Lifelab Testing, you’ll have the answers you need in under a week – so you can make the necessary changes to stay happy, healthy, and safe.
