Question 1

Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Anandarajan?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book directly at Kingsbridge Private Hospital or Ulster Independent Clinic — no GP referral letter is required. Simply call 028 9066 7878 or book online at kph.fyi/Book-MAnandarajan.

Question 2

How quickly can we be seen?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are typically available within a few days at Kingsbridge Private Hospital or Ulster Independent Clinic. Same-week appointments are often possible. Please call 028 9066 7878 or book online to check current availability.

Question 3

How long does an appointment take?

Accepted Answer

A first allergy appointment typically takes 45–60 minutes. This allows time for a thorough consultation, skin prick testing (where appropriate) and a full discussion of results and management. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter.

Question 4

Do you offer virtual consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Video and telephone e-consultations are available via Top Doctors (topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/mugilan-anandarajan). E-consultations are suitable for initial consultations, follow-up appointments and advice. Allergy testing (skin prick testing) requires an in-person appointment.

Question 5

What should I bring to the appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is helpful to bring: a written record of your child's reactions (what was eaten, when the reaction occurred, what symptoms developed); any previous allergy test results or letters from other doctors; a list of your child's current medications. If your child takes antihistamines, these should be stopped at least 3–5 days before skin prick testing.

Question 6

Where are the clinics located?

Accepted Answer

Dr Anandarajan practises at Kingsbridge Private Hospital (811–815 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GX, tel: 028 9066 7878) and Ulster Independent Clinic (245 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5JH, tel: 028 9066 1212). Both locations are in south Belfast with parking available.

Question 7

Can I book an appointment for a child under one year old?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan sees children from birth (newborns) through to 16 years. Allergy assessment in infants — including suspected cow's milk protein allergy, eczema-related food allergy and reactions to formula — is a particular area of expertise.

Question 8

What happens at the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment begins with a detailed clinical history — Dr Anandarajan will ask about your child's reactions, symptoms, diet, family history and any previous investigations. Where appropriate, skin prick testing is performed at the appointment and results are available within 15–20 minutes. Where specific IgE blood tests are required, results typically take 2–3 weeks, after which a full diagnosis and management plan is provided. You will also receive any necessary prescriptions and a follow-up plan.

Question 9

Can babies have allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan assesses children from birth through to 16 years. Allergy testing — including skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests — can be performed in infants. Testing is tailored to each child's age and clinical presentation.

Question 10

Is skin prick testing painful?

Accepted Answer

Skin prick testing is very well tolerated by children of all ages. It involves a small lancet that produces a very superficial scratch on the forearm — most children describe it as a light touch rather than a needle. The main discomfort is mild itching if a positive reaction develops, which resolves within 30–60 minutes.

Question 11

What allergy tests does Dr Anandarajan offer?

Accepted Answer

Dr Anandarajan offers skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests (including component-resolved diagnostics). Results from skin prick testing are available at the appointment. All tests are interpreted in the context of your child's clinical history.

Question 12

Do you offer skin prick testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Skin prick testing is available at in-person appointments. It is a quick, reliable and well-tolerated test for IgE-mediated allergy. Results are available within 15–20 minutes and are discussed with you at the appointment. Where specific IgE blood tests are also required, those results typically take 2–3 weeks.

Question 13

What is component-resolved diagnostics (CRD)?

Accepted Answer

Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) is an advanced form of specific IgE blood testing that identifies sensitisation to individual proteins within a food allergen. For example, in peanut allergy, CRD can distinguish between sensitisation to Ara h 2 (associated with severe systemic reactions) and Ara h 8 (associated with milder, pollen-related reactions). This helps Dr Anandarajan predict the likely severity of reactions and tailor management accordingly.

Question 14

My child has eczema — should they have allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Routine allergy testing is not recommended for all children with eczema. Testing is most useful in children with moderate-to-severe eczema that started in infancy and is not adequately controlled with standard treatment, or where there is a clinical suspicion of food allergy based on the history. Dr Anandarajan will advise whether testing is appropriate for your child.

Question 15

My child had a positive allergy test but has never reacted to that food — what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive allergy test (skin prick test or specific IgE blood test) indicates sensitisation — the immune system has produced IgE antibodies to that food. However, sensitisation does not always mean clinical allergy. Many children are sensitised to foods they tolerate without symptoms. This is why allergy test results must always be interpreted alongside your child's clinical history by an experienced specialist. Dr Anandarajan will explain what the results mean for your child specifically.

Question 16

Can allergy testing tell us if my child will outgrow their allergy?

Accepted Answer

Allergy testing can provide useful prognostic information. For example, specific IgE levels and component testing results can help predict whether a child is likely to outgrow an allergy. Many children do outgrow egg and cow's milk allergy; peanut allergy is less commonly outgrown but can be. Dr Anandarajan will discuss the likely natural history of your child's allergy and arrange appropriate follow-up testing.

Question 17

What is the difference between IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergy?

Accepted Answer

IgE-mediated food allergy involves the immune system producing IgE antibodies to a food protein. Reactions are typically rapid (within minutes to 2 hours) and may include hives, swelling, vomiting, wheeze or anaphylaxis. Non-IgE-mediated food allergy involves a different immune mechanism and causes delayed reactions (hours to days), typically affecting the gut and skin — for example, eczema flares, reflux, loose stools or constipation. Cow's milk protein allergy in infants is often non-IgE-mediated. Standard allergy tests (skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests) detect IgE-mediated allergy only.

Question 18

My child has been prescribed an EpiPen — what should I do next?

Accepted Answer

If your child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen or Jext), it is important to see an allergy specialist as soon as possible. Dr Anandarajan will confirm the diagnosis, identify the trigger, provide a written allergy action plan, train you and your child in how to use the device, and ensure appropriate prescriptions are in place. He will also provide letters for school and nursery.

Question 19

Can you help with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in a formula-fed baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan has extensive experience in the assessment and management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants, including guidance on appropriate hypoallergenic formula (extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based), introduction of the milk ladder, and monitoring for resolution. He sees babies from birth.

Question 20

My child has hay fever — can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan assesses and manages allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in children, including seasonal rhinitis (grass pollen, tree pollen) and perennial rhinitis (house dust mite, pet dander). He can confirm the specific triggers through allergy testing and provide a personalised treatment plan including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and, where appropriate, referral for allergen immunotherapy.

Question 21

Does Dr Anandarajan treat asthma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan manages asthma and allergic wheeze in children as part of his respiratory and allergy practice. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Asthma. He can assess whether asthma is allergically triggered, optimise inhaler therapy and provide an asthma action plan.

Question 22

Can you assess a suspected drug allergy in a child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan can assess suspected drug allergy in children, including suspected penicillin or amoxicillin allergy — one of the most common reasons children are incorrectly labelled as penicillin-allergic. Accurate assessment is important because a penicillin allergy label can limit antibiotic choices throughout life.

Question 23

Is private health insurance accepted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan is recognised by all major private health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Benenden Health and Health on-line. Self-pay patients are also welcome. Please contact Kingsbridge Private Hospital to confirm your insurer.

Question 24

Do I need pre-authorisation from my insurer before booking?

Accepted Answer

Most private health insurers require pre-authorisation before a specialist appointment. Please contact your insurer before booking to obtain a pre-authorisation number. You will need to provide the name of the specialist (Dr Mugilan Anandarajan) and the hospital (Kingsbridge Private Hospital or Ulster Independent Clinic). Kingsbridge can advise on this process.

Question 25

What age range does Dr Anandarajan see?

Accepted Answer

Dr Anandarajan sees children from birth (newborns) through to 16 years of age across a broad range of paediatric and allergic conditions.

Question 26

What qualifications does Dr Anandarajan hold?

Accepted Answer

Dr Anandarajan holds FRCPCH (Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health), MD (Doctor of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast), DCH (Diploma in Child Health), PGCert in Clinical Health Science (Allergy), Postgraduate Diploma in Asthma, and PGCert in Clinical Education. He is GMC registered and has over 25 years of clinical experience.

Question 27

Is Dr Anandarajan a member of any allergy professional societies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Anandarajan is a member of the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), the Ulster Paediatric Society and the British Medical Association (BMA).

Question 28

Does Dr Anandarajan see patients from outside Belfast?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families travel from across Northern Ireland to see Dr Anandarajan, including from Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, Antrim, Ballymena, Craigavon, Newry, Armagh, Derry/Londonderry, Omagh and Enniskillen. Both clinic locations are easily accessible from the M1, M2 and A1 with free on-site parking. Video consultations are also available for families who prefer a remote initial appointment.

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About Paediatric Allergy Appointments in Belfast

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