What Is the ALEX Test?

The ALEX test (ALEX3 Allergy Explorer) is a cutting edge allergy diagnostic tool designed to provide an in-depth evaluation of allergic sensitivities. This advanced blood test screens for 300 distinct allergens, making it the most comprehensive allergy test available today.

ALEX test measures the levels of total and specific IgE antibodies in your blood, elevated levels suggest a heightened sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of an allergic reaction. IgE-mediated allergic responses are the most prevalent types of allergies.

Test results include detailed insights into allergen sensitization, cross-reactivity, and personalized therapy recommendations, making it an essential tool for modern allergy management.

Allergens

Αllergen Εxtracts

Molecular Allergen Components

of the most diagnostically relevant allergens

Comparing ALEX 2 vs ALEX 3:

The test has now been upgraded from its second version (ALEX 2), which was available until now, to its third version (ALEX 3).

Based on statistical results from 1 million tests across 90+ countries, the coverage of both global and regional allergen sources has been optimized, taking into account positivity rates, average sIgE levels, and cross-reactivity with allergens from the same family.

In total, 48 allergens were removed, and 53 allergens were added.

New allergen sources:
– Freshwater shrimp
– Golden hamster
– Oak pollen
– Pine nut

New allergen families (selection):
– α-hairpinin
– Cyclophilin
– Glutenin
– Hemocyanin
– Hyaluronidase

Additional improvements:
– Quantitative measurement of total IgE (previously semi-quantitative)
– Integrated quality control (QC) designed to verify the accuracy and consistency of the sample addition step via pipette during the analysis process.

Which Allergens Are Included In ALEX Test?

The ALEX test offers a complete picture of your allergy profile, covering almost all common allergens, representing approximately 99% of the needs of standard allergy testing. With coverage of 82 extracts and 218 molecular allergens, it includes:

Environmental Allergens:

Pollen from Grasses, Trees, Weeds
Insect Venoms
Pet and Animal Dander
Molds and Yeasts
Dust mites, Cockroaches
Latex

alex test allergens pollen pet mold insect venom dust

Food Allergens:

Nuts and Seeds
Legumes
Fish, Seafood, Meats
Dairy and Eggs
Grains and Spices
Fruits and Vegetables

See the full allergen source list here.

When Should Ι do the ALEX Test?

ALEX Test is a great solution for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of their allergies, whether you’re managing known sensitivities or investigating unknown triggers. It is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:

Unidentified Triggers: If you’ve had an allergic reaction after eating, inhaling pollen, contact with pets etc. but can’t pinpoint the cause, the test’s extensive scope is ideal for identifying the responsible allergen.
Multiple Allergies: For individuals with known allergies who want to explore other potential triggers.
Comprehensive Testing: Skin prick tests can be unpleasant and are limited to a few allergens at a time and having to test IgE for several allergens individually can be costly, the ALEX test provides broad cost-effective testing.Most allergy tests focus on a single allergen, or handful of allergens, and therefore do not provide a comprehensive review. Most other tests also miss some of the specific molecular components that cause allergic reactions.

Why Choose the ALEX Test?

The ALEX test is designed for convenience and ease:

Minimal Sample Required: Only a small blood sample is needed.
Fast Results: Results are typically available within 3-5 days.
No Medication Interference: Antihistamines do not affect the test, unlike skin prick tests.
Comprehensive Allergy Profile: Includes 99% of globally relevant allergens, covering 82 traditional allergen extracts and 218 molecular components in one comprehensive test, eliminating the need for multiple tests.

Who Can Do The ALEX Test?

The ALEX test is suitable for children, adults and elderly. The test is ideal for for patients with complex or ambiguous symptoms, needing precise identification of triggers to manage conditions like seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or occupational exposures, seeking a comprehensive allergy assessment.

Typical allergy related symptoms include:

Runny Nose or Sneezing
Coughing, Wheezing or Breathlessness
Diarrhoea
Feeling or Being Sick
Swollen Eyes, Lips, Mouth or Throat
Itchy Skin or a Raised Rash (hives)

No special preparation is required, the test remains reliable during allergy exacerbations or while patients are on medication. The only requirement is a small blood sample, which can be collected at our diagnostic center.

alex test allergens food meat fish spices fruit nuts seeds vegetables

ALEX Test Results

The ALEX test provides a detailed report outlining your sensitivities to various allergens.

Test results include detailed insights into allergen sensitization, cross-reactivity, and personalized therapy recommendations, making it an essential tool for modern allergy management.

You can see an example report here.

ALEX test results are meant to facilitate diagnosis and should not replace a doctor. An allergist should review them alongside your medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis, and help with a treatment plan.

Who does ALEX test work?

A small blood sample is collected.

Serum is analyzed using microarrays, where nano-bead technology amplifies sensitivity, with immobilized allergens binding to specific IgE antibodies. Blocking CCD (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant) minimizes false-positive results, ensuring reliable outcomes.

The test measures both total IgE and specific IgE levels, identifying sensitization to 300 allergens.

Results are processed and delivered within a few days, with specialized software providing a comprehensive report, detailing allergen-specific IgE levels, cross-reactivity risks, and evidence-based personalized dietary or immunotherapy recommendations, assisting doctors to tailor treatment plans. The analysis software is only meant to facilitate diagnosis, and is no replacement for a doctor.