Allergy Tests

In Europe, around 60 million people are affected by allergies, with 25–30% of people in the Netherlands experiencing conditions like hay fever, asthma, food allergies, or skin reactions. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless — such as pollen, foods, or animal dander. These reactions can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild irritation to serious discomfort

With Homed-IQ’s allergy home tests, you can easily identify what’s triggering your allergic reactions — all from the comfort and privacy of your home. Every sample is analyzed by a certified medical laboratory, ensuring results that are just as reliable as testing through your GP or clinic.

By identifying your triggers, it can provide clarity and relief, helping you take control of your symptoms and improve your daily comfort.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, foods, or insect venom. When exposed to an allergen, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, or skin rashes. In severe cases, allergies can cause breathing difficulties or a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Allergies develop through a sensitisation phase, where the immune system first produces antibodies (IgE) against a specific allergen. Later exposures then trigger symptoms.

Common Causes of Allergic Reactions

Allergies can develop at any age and may be triggered by:

• Pollen – from trees, grasses, or weeds (hay fever)
  
• Foods – such as nuts, dairy, shellfish, eggs, or wheat
  
• Animals – dander, saliva, or hair from cats, dogs, and other pets
  
• Dust mites – found in bedding, carpets, and furniture
  
• Insect stings – reactions to bee or wasp venom
  
• Mold spores – common in damp indoor environments
  
• Latex or chemicals – in gloves, adhesives, or cleaning agents
  

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergic reactions can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
  
• Itchy or watery eyes
  
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  
• Skin rashes, redness, or hives
  
• Swelling of lips, eyes, or face
  
• Digestive discomfort after eating certain foods
  
• Fatigue or brain fog after allergen exposure
  

What Allergies Can I Test For?

Allergies can be detected through blood testing, which measures your immune system’s response to different allergens. Using a simple finger-prick blood sample, Homed-IQ’s certified laboratory analyses the amount of IgE antibodies your body produces to identify possible sensitisation. While sensitisation indicates an immune response, it does not confirm an allergy — a diagnosis requires symptoms following contact with the allergen. To confirm results, consult your healthcare provider, who may recommend further testing such as a skin prick test under medical supervision.

Homed-IQ offers two comprehensive allergy tests that screen for multiple allergens at once. Each kit includes everything you need for safe, easy, and discreet sample collection — helping you find the test that best fits your needs.

The Categories Of Allergens We Test For

• Grass pollen
  
• Tree pollen
  
• Weed pollen
  
• House dust and storage mites
  
• Yeast and moulds
  
• Legumes
  
• Cereals
  
• Spices
  
• Vegetables
  
• Fruits
  
• Nuts and seeds
  
• Milk
  
• Egg
  
• Meat
  
• Insect venom
  
• Pets
  
• Farm animals
  
• Fish and seafood
  
• Other
  

Our allergy tests measure IgE reactivity to different allergens. If your result shows an IgE reaction, it may indicate an allergy. More detailed information on the specific allergens tested in each category can be found in the specific allergy test, in the section above.

How It Works

1. Order online: your kit arrives at your home.
   
2. Collect your sample at home: simple finger-prick blood, with clear instructions.
   
3. Send it to our certified lab: with prepaid return packaging (via mailbox).
   
4. Receive results securely online: usually within 2 to 5 working days after your sample arrives at the lab.
   

Our support team is here to answer any questions you may have (Contact form, Mail, Whatsapp: +31 970 1025 4674) and our dedicated medical team (Mail) can provide expert advice.

How We Ensure Accurate Results

Our tests are processed using the same laboratory methods and standards as those used by GPs or clinics. The testing process ensures high sensitivity (the ability to detect the presence of an infection) and high specificity (the ability to avoid false positives). Every result is reviewed within strict medical quality standards to ensure reliability, accuracy and clarity. If you are interested, read more in our “Science” section on our website.

Certified Laboratory Quality

All samples are analyzed exclusively in DAkkS-accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest standard of reliability and precision. Additionally, the allergy test follows the RiLiBÄK 2019 guidelines. Our partner laboratories comply with:

• ISO/IEC 17025 – ensuring the validity, accuracy, and reproducibility of all test results
  
• ISO 15189 – guaranteeing medical diagnostic quality and patient safety
  

Together, our test design and accredited laboratory standards ensure that every Homed-IQ result is both scientifically accurate and handled with the highest level of medical quality.

Homed-IQ’s allergy tests are intended for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.