Allergy Wheat Fluorescence Assay Blood

Allergy wheat fluorescence assay blood test is used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the wheat protein in the blood. This test helps to know the immune response of the body towards the wheat containing foods or cosmetic products.

What is a wheat allergy?

A wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins present in wheat. This allergy can occur from food containing wheat or nonfood items with wheat-based ingredients such as cosmetics or bath products. Common food containing wheat are bread, pasta, cakes, cereals, cookies, soy sauce, hot dogs, ice cream, jelly beans, etc. It can also occur by inhaling wheat flour. This is very common in children. If you have a family history of allergies or allergic diseases, such as asthma or wheat allergy, then you are at high risk for developing a wheat allergy.

An individual who is allergic to wheat when gets exposed to it, their immune system produces antibodies against the wheat proteins. This can cause many symptoms within a few minutes. The signs and symptoms of wheat allergy are skin rashes, hives, nausea, vomiting, stuffy or a runny nose, irritation of the mouth and throat, eye irritation, trouble breathing, sneezing, headaches, etc. Severe allergy may cause anaphylactic reactions like a shock, chest pain, dizziness or blue skin color that requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be completely avoided if you have a wheat-free lifestyle.

Wheat allergy sometimes is confused with an autoimmune disorder called celiac disease that occurs due to the ingestion of gluten. Individuals who have a wheat allergy their body produces antibodies against the wheat proteins. But in celiac disease, the body causes an abnormal immune response to gluten (a specific protein found in wheat). Individuals who have a gluten allergy may not cause immediate symptoms but lead to damage of intestines.

Why is this test performed?

This test is performed when you are suspected to have a wheat allergy. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience signs and symptoms of wheat allergy such as skin rashes, hives, nausea, vomiting, stuffy or a runny nose, irritation of the mouth and throat, eye irritation, trouble breathing, sneezing, headaches, etc. This test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, if already diagnosed.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc. If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have a wheat allergy.

If your test results are lower than the normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is unlikely to have a wheat allergy.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.