Every year the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) hosts an Annual Conference for healthcare professionals caring for patients with allergy. BSACI is the national, professional and academic society which represents the specialty of allergy at all levels. Its aim is to improve the management of allergies and related diseases of the immune system in the United Kingdom, through education, training and research.
This year 2 members of the Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub team attended the conference, this time as an exhibitor, as opposed to presenting a poster as in previous years. Dr Karen Young, our expert in molecular allergology, and our Chief Scientific Officer and founder Dr Caroline Parker, attended the event showcasing our molecular allergology testing services from the Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub. In partnership with Macro Array Diagnostics this next generation in allergy diagnosis, ALEX is an ELISA based in-vitro multiplex allergy test allowing simultaneous measurements of quantitative total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) against a large number of allergen extracts and molecular allergens.
ALEX³ is the third iteration of the test and comes with a panel of 300 allergens, including high-relevance allergen sources and 85 allergen families. It contains 218 molecular allergens, 107 of which are unique to the test – it is the widest range of molecular allergens on the market. ALEX³ improves the quality of diagnosis and makes individualised and evidence-based therapy possible for every patient.
The Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub sees the ALEX3 as a natural progression on from the ALEX2 test, which already includes 295 allergens in a single test.
ALEX³ is a multiplex allergy test with a test panel comprised of allergen extracts (82) as well as molecular allergens (218), resulting in a near complete picture of a patient’s sensitisation status. Information on cross-allergies, individual dietary recommendations, as well as indication for immunotherapy are included in the test results. Due to CCD-blocking, the risk of obtaining false-positive results is minimised.
The new ALEX3 contains all the major problem causing allergens, resulting in a Specialist not having to pre-select allergens, or embark on a number of different tests before building an accurate picture of their patient’s sensitivities. You can view all 300 allergens included in this highly comprehensive and sensitive test.
Other than furthering knowledge in molecular allergology testing this year’s conference was packed with energy, innovation, and collaboration. There was an incredible line-up of national and international speakers who shared the latest breakthroughs, a cutting-edge programme with poster walks, joint sessions with leading partner organisations, Industry Symposia and Celebrating Excellence in Allergy Care and Research awards.
Beyond the sessions, the social events brought the fun and the networking! From the lively ‘Welcome Event’ featuring Bonkers Bingo on Thursday night, to the energising Sunrise Shake Dance Workout on Friday morning, and the dazzling Gala Dinner Extravaganza on Friday evening – there was something for everyone. Our own Dr Caroline Parker even won a prize at Bingo!
All in all a very worthy event for any Healthcare professional working in Allergy.
ALEX3 is coming to FGIH (November 2025), follow us on our socials for news at LinkedIn.com and Instagram @fgih_uk
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