What Do We Test For?
How our Service Works for you
1
We will book you in for a consultation with a qualified team member
2
We will explore your symptoms and needs through a brief consultation
3
We will use a tiny blood sample to perform an allergy or food intolerance screening test where suitable. Results are available after two hours
4
We will discuss the results with you and work together to suggest strategies to improve your symptoms
Allergy & Food
Intolerance Screening Service
Our Allergy and Food Intolerance Screening Service consists of two short consultations, which can take place on the same day, conducted by trained members of the pharmacy team in a private consultation room.
The service will allow you to understand if you have a food intolerance or allergy and if so, identify ways in which you can manage the symptoms and signpost where you can go for further specific guidance and support. For more information on allergies and food intolerances, please click on the link.
What does this service test for?
How do I arrange for a test?
Either come see us in the pharmacy, complete an enquiry form or call us on 0121 422 2164 to book an appointment.
Can anyone receive an Allergy or Food Intolerance test?
If through the initial consultation you seem to be experiencing symptoms that reflect an allergy or food intolerance, you can receive a test if our trained team member feels it is appropriate for you and you wish to complete the test. Our tests are self-contained, meaning there is no risk of exposure to potential allergy-inducing substances. Please note that these tests are not suitable for children aged 5 years or under.
Will I be provided with a copy of the results?
Yes. You receive a copy and we keep a copy for our records. You will also receive a follow-up letter summarising any discussions you have had with our team member about the results shortly after your consultation.
How effective/accurate are these tests?
Our tests have been validated as accurate by their manufacturer. The data surrounding these tests suggests that their accuracy is comparable to leading laboratory and diagnostic methods, despite the relative speed of our tests. Our tests can produce results within 2 hours, making them much faster than these methods. For more information, please click here.
For reference, the findings suggest that overall the FastCheckPOC-20 test is 80% accurate compared to ImmunoCAP diagnostics, used in laboratories, and 70% accurate compared to skin prick testing. Accuracy varies between the allergens tested
Do you suffer from the following?
- Bloating and constipation
- Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
- Overweight
- Joint discomfort
- Migraine
- Depression
- Mood and behavioural changes
- Hyperactivity
- Sleeping disorders
- Eczema and itchy skin
- Fatigue and general exhaustion
- You may be food intolerant
Or do you suffer from these symptoms?
- Swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
- Tummy pain, feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Dry, red and cracked skin
- Sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough
- Mood and behavioural changes
- A raised, itchy red rash
- You may have an Allergy
How does the test work?
The Pharmacist and a Trained Member of Staff will:
- Carry out an initial consultation with yourself, to understand the challenge you may have
- If we deem suitable we will also take a small blood sample via a needle prick
- We will perform the test
- The results will be available within 24 hours
- Pharmacist will discuss the results with you
- And finally we will send you a written report
Is the test suitable for all ages?
No, the test is suitable for ages 5 years and above.
I took antihistamines during my test, will they interfere with the results?
Antihistamines don’t interfere with the results of this type of blood test.
Is there ongoing support?
Yes, we are available via phone, in person or e-mail to give you support and guidance.
What is the difference between food intolerance and allergy?
The difference between allergies and intolerances is simple; in most cases, allergies are mainly hereditary and you have for life. An intolerance on the other hand can and does change depending on diet and lifestyle. You can work with your intolerances to reduce them and even eliminate them.
Do you regularly
feel tired and sluggish?
Have you lost your energy or worry about what you can eat?
It could be as simple as a food intolerance or food allergy.
Hill Top Pharmacy are proud to have called the heart of Oldbury our home, established for over seventy years. We are truly passionate about serving our local community, providing information, advice and support with a personal touch. Our expert Pharmacists and team offer a comprehensive selection of essential and specialist services for your convenience. Hill Top Pharmacy are delivering a unique allergy screening and food intolerance service. If you suffer from stomach problems, IBS and have an unexplained rash then this screening service is for you.
Our trained team members can offer you essential advice to either help reduce your blood pressure or keep it within healthy ranges. If appropriate, we may recommend seeing your GP if further investigation into your blood pressure is needed. No appointment is needed, simply come and see us.
Charges may apply for blood pressure services.
Diabetes
Screening Services
This service is for people aged 16 and over who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes - a condition where the body may not effectively produce or respond to insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels.
We check your blood sugar levels using a quick and simple finger prick test administered by a trained member of our team. This will enable us to determine your risk of developing diabetes in the future. Based on the results, we can provide you with healthy living advice or refer you to your GP as appropriate. This is a private service and charges may apply.
Sexual
Health Check
If you're concerned about your sexual health, we offer a range of STI checks to help give you peace of mind.
Our discreet, confidential service ensures you receive prompt, accurate results. Following a private consultation with our pharmacist, together you will decide which test is most appropriate for you. These tests may require a small finger-prick blood sample depending on the test. Results can be made available to you through a secure online portal in as little as 5 days.
We use the same laboratory tests as sexual health clinics, hospitals and government schemes.
Detects Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which may not show symptoms
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
Our most popular home STI test which covers the 6 most common sexually transmitted infections
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomonas
- HIV (I, II, P24 antigen)
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
Our broadest home STI test which covers the 11 most common bacterial and viral infections
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomonas
- HIV (I, II, P24 antigen)
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Gardnerella
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- Herpes Simplex
- Herpes Simplex II