Last updated on 23 October 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers Food Allergy Testing Brisbane using laboratory-based blood tests to assess immune reactions to common foods. Our Practitioners work with you to clarify whether your symptoms relate to food allergies or intolerances, and create a tailored plan to support your wellbeing.
Food Allergy Testing Brisbane – Accurate, Practical Testing for Food Reactions
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we offer blood-based Food Allergy Testing in Brisbane to help identify whether your immune system may be reacting to specific foods. Our Naturopaths and Nutritionists use evidence-based testing methods to develop tailored nutrition plans, reduce symptoms, and support long-term digestive and immune health. They will guide you through the entire process — from testing referral to dietary planning — all within a personalised Wellness Plan, and will help you understand whether you are experiencing food-related symptoms that could indicate an immune-based reaction, are allergic to certain food items, or have Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Key Takeaways
Food allergy testing at Brisbane Livewell Clinic is blood-based and can be done by either a blood draw at your local pathology centre or a blood spot test
We help determine whether symptoms relate to allergy, intolerance or another cause
Practitioners support you from consultation through to dietary planning
You will learn whether you have a food allergy, a food intolerance, leaky gut or some other cause, and our Practitioners will advise on how to treat or reduce your symptoms.
Is It a Food Allergy or a Food Intolerance?
True food allergies are uncommon — affecting less than 3% of the population — and are typically immediate, immune-based responses. In contrast, most people presenting with food-related symptoms at our Clinic are experiencing food intolerances, which are often delayed and digestive in nature.
Food allergy testing may be appropriate if you experience:
Breathing changes after eating certain foods
Swelling of the lips, face or throat
Skin rashes or hives
Severe or immediate reactions to small amounts of food
If your symptoms are less acute or appear hours later, food intolerance testing may be more suitable. Our Practitioners will advise you during your initial appointment.
If You Suspect Food Intolerances, Start with a Naturopath First
Clients often approach allergy clinics when experiencing vague or non-specific food reactions. If you don’t meet the clinical criteria for a food allergy, you may be referred elsewhere — sometimes without clear next steps.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Practitioners assess whether your symptoms align more closely with food intolerance, microbiome imbalance or digestive triggers. This saves time and avoids the need for multiple appointments with different providers. If you do require allergy testing, we’ll coordinate this directly.
How Food Allergy Testing Works at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
We refer patients for IgE blood allergy testing through Healthscope or QML. These laboratory tests detect allergen-specific antibodies that may be linked with food-related immune responses.
Why we use blood-based testing instead of skin prick tests
Our Practitioners prefer to use blood-based testing instead of skin prick tests because:
- More accessible for people taking antihistamines or corticosteroids
- No risk of skin flare-ups for patients with eczema or dermatitis
- Suitable for people with asthma, sensitive skin, or complex medical histories
- Safer for patients with a history of severe reactions or anaphylaxis
- Testing is performed in a controlled lab environment
Please let our friendly Reception staff know if you prefer skin prick testing.
What Food Allergy Testing May Include
Our Practitioners recommend a suitable test panel based on your symptoms, history and age.
Common options include:
Childhood Panel
May test for: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Cod, Peanut, Cashew, Almond, Hazelnut, Dust Mites, Grass Pollens, Cat, Dog, Horse, Moulds
Adult Panel
May test for: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Strawberry, Banana, Mango, Sesame, Kiwi, Corn, Potato, Rice, Beef
Test referrals are submitted through our Clinic. You can attend any pathology collection centre convenient to you, and your Practitioner will receive the results within a few days.
How Our Naturopaths Support You
1. A Full Health Review Comes First
You’ll start with a 60-minute consultation where your Practitioner reviews your symptoms, diet, lifestyle and health history. We only recommend allergy testing when clinically relevant, and discuss whether other testing methods may be more suitable.
2. Targeted Allergy Testing Is Referred
We refer you for the appropriate blood-based allergy panel, using local collection centres across Brisbane. Our team handles the paperwork and test selection based on your specific case.
3. Clear Results and a Personalised Plan
Once your results are returned, your Practitioner explains the findings and creates a practical, tailored plan. This may include:
Practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs
Supportive homeopathics or symptom relief options
Food substitutions and safe alternatives
Nutrition planning to reduce exposure and strengthen tolerance
Lifestyle strategies to support long-term resilience
In Our Experience
In the Experience of Our Practitioners
Many patients come to us with food-related symptoms that have not been clearly diagnosed. In our clinical experience, combining food allergy testing with a broader health screening often provides the insight needed to move forward with clarity.
“Our goal is not just to identify which foods you react to — it’s to help you understand why, and to give you a plan that works for your lifestyle and health goals.”
— Nicole Oldum, Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist
In the Experience of Our Patients
Clients consistently tell us they feel reassured after finally understanding the role food may play in their symptoms. Being supported from start to finish by the same Practitioner makes the process more efficient and less stressful.
“I was reacting to random meals for years but no one took it seriously. The team at BLC reviewed my symptoms, referred me for testing and helped me understand my triggers — all in one place.”
— Sam, Cannon Hill – Patient
Patient Scenarios
Case Study: Emma, 34, from Carina
Emma experienced fatigue, headaches, sinus congestion and digestive discomfort for over a year. After a full Health Review, her Practitioner referred her for food allergy and intolerance testing. The results revealed an immune response to egg and cashew, along with signs of microbiome imbalance. With dietary changes, practitioner-grade support and a tailored gut repair plan, Emma reported significant improvement in her energy, skin and digestion within 8 weeks.
Case Study: Daniel, 45, from Wavell Heights
Danshi sought help after sudden onset swelling and skin hives following meals. His Practitioner identified the potential for food allergies and referred him for IgE testing. His results showed strong reactivity to shellfish and wheat. He was provided with food alternatives, lifestyle adjustments, and a support protocol to reduce inflammation and immune load. He has now confidently removed his trigger foods and improved his overall resilience.
Get Started Today
If you’ve been reacting to certain foods or feeling unsure about your symptoms, start with a Full Health Review. Our Practitioners will assess your case and recommend whether food allergy testing is appropriate. You’ll receive full support through testing, interpretation and next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
The difference between food allergy and food intolerance lies in how your body responds to certain foods. A food allergy involves an immune system response and may cause immediate reactions, while a food intolerance typically involves the digestive system and produces delayed or less severe symptoms.
2. How do I know if I need food allergy testing?
You may need food allergy testing if you experience swelling, hives, breathing changes or other immune-related symptoms after eating certain foods. A Practitioner will assess your symptoms to determine if testing is appropriate.
3. Can I get food allergy testing without a referral?
You can access food allergy testing without a referral by booking a consultation with one of our Naturopaths. They will review your case and provide the relevant pathology referral if suitable.
4. What does the allergy test involve?
The allergy test involves a standard blood draw at a local pathology collection centre. This test assesses the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood.
5. How long does it take to get food allergy testing results?
Food allergy testing results are typically returned within 5 to 7 business days. Your Practitioner will then review the findings with you and advise on next steps.
6. Does Brisbane Livewell Clinic offer skin prick testing?
Brisbane Livewell Clinic does not offer skin prick testing. We use blood-based allergy tests, which may be more suitable for patients with certain medical conditions or medications.
7. Can children undergo food allergy testing at your Clinic?
Children can undergo food allergy testing by completing an appropriate pathology referral. We offer test panels specifically designed for paediatric allergies.
8. What happens if my test results show no food allergies?
If your test results show no food allergies, your Practitioner may recommend food intolerance testing or further investigation to identify the likely cause of your symptoms.
9. Will my Practitioner explain the allergy test results?
Your Practitioner will explain the allergy test results in detail and develop a personalised plan based on your health needs, dietary requirements, and goals.
10. Do I need to fast before taking a food allergy test?
Fasting is not required before taking a food allergy blood test. Your Practitioner will provide instructions specific to your case at the time of referral.
11. Can I book food allergy testing online?
Food allergy testing begins with a Full Health Review, which you can book online. Your Practitioner will determine whether testing is appropriate during your appointment.
12. Is food allergy testing covered by Medicare?
Food allergy testing referred by a Naturopath is not covered by Medicare. However, private health insurance may offer rebates for the consultation, depending on your policy.
13. Can allergy testing confirm anaphylaxis risk?
Allergy testing may indicate sensitivity to specific allergens but does not confirm anaphylaxis risk. Patients with concerns about life-threatening reactions should consult a medical practitioner.
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Nicole Odlum – Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath
Megan Young – Clinical Nutritionist
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Suburbs We Service
Clinical Nutritionist Morningside – Evidence-Based Nutrition Plans with Megan Young
Clinical Nutritionist Morningside – Work with Megan Young at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Cannon Hill)
Clinical Nutritionist Murarrie – Book with Megan Young at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Cannon Hill)
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