Many families in Belfast and across Northern Ireland choose private allergy testing for their children because NHS waiting times for paediatric allergy services can be lengthy. Private appointments with Dr Anandarajan at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic are typically available within days, with no GP referral required.

This article explains what to expect at a private paediatric allergy appointment — from booking to results and follow-up.

Why Choose Private Allergy Testing for Your Child?

There are several reasons why families choose private allergy testing:

  • Speed: Same-week appointments are typically available — no lengthy NHS waiting list
  • Specialist expertise: Dr Anandarajan is a Consultant Paediatrician with a postgraduate qualification in allergy (PGCert Allergy, University of Southampton)
  • Comprehensive testing: Skin prick testing, specific IgE blood tests and component-resolved diagnostics all available
  • Longer appointments: More time to take a detailed history, explain results and answer questions
  • Immediate results: Skin prick test results are available within 15–20 minutes at the appointment
  • No GP referral needed: You can book directly without waiting for a GP referral

Where Are Appointments Held?

Dr Anandarajan sees children at two locations in south Belfast:

  • Kingsbridge Private Hospital, 811 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GX — a modern private hospital with free parking and excellent facilities
  • Ulster Independent Clinic, 40 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6HR — a well-established private clinic with easy access from the M1 motorway

Both locations are easily accessible from Belfast city centre and from across Northern Ireland, including Lisburn, Bangor, Newry and Derry/Londonderry.

What Happens at the Appointment?

A typical private allergy appointment with Dr Anandarajan lasts 45–60 minutes and includes:

  1. Detailed history: Dr Anandarajan will ask about your child's symptoms, when they occur, what foods or substances appear to trigger them, the severity of reactions, family history of allergy, and any previous allergy testing or treatment
  2. Clinical examination: A brief examination of your child, including skin assessment if eczema is present
  3. Allergy testing: Skin prick testing and/or blood tests as appropriate, based on the history. Skin prick test results are available within 15–20 minutes
  4. Results and explanation: Dr Anandarajan will explain the results in plain language and what they mean for your child
  5. Management plan: A personalised written management plan, including dietary advice, medication prescriptions if needed, and guidance on allergen avoidance
  6. Emergency planning: If appropriate, prescription of an adrenaline auto-injector and provision of an anaphylaxis action plan
  7. Follow-up: Advice on when to return for review and what to do in the meantime

What Should I Bring to the Appointment?

  • A list of your child's symptoms and when they occurred
  • Any previous allergy test results or letters from other doctors
  • A list of any medications your child is taking
  • Your child's current antihistamines should be stopped 3–5 days before the appointment if skin prick testing is planned (check with the clinic when booking)
  • A snack and drink for your child — appointments can last up to an hour
  • Your child's health insurance details if applicable

Health Insurance

Appointments with Dr Anandarajan are recognised by all major health insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and WPA. Please check your policy details and obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer before the appointment if required.

Book an Appointment

To book a private allergy appointment for your child, call 028 9066 7878 or book online at kph.fyi/Book-MAnandarajan. Video and telephone consultations are also available via Top Doctors.

Read more about what happens during allergy testing and whether your child needs allergy testing.