Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (small vial)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify hidden triggers - Discover if barley is causing your unexplained allergic reactions
- Skip painful skin tests - Get accurate results through a simple blood draw
- Quick, convenient results - Receive findings within days
- Prevent severe reactions - Early detection helps you avoid life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Direct access testing - No doctor referral needed to order your test
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing hives, breathing problems, or stomach issues after eating barley
- Individuals with unexplained allergic symptoms who consume beer, soups, or grain products
- Those with family history of grain allergies or other food sensitivities
- Anyone wanting to screen for barley allergy before symptoms worsen
- People monitoring known barley allergy severity over time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Schedule your blood draw at a local lab or request at-home collection
- Provide sample - Quick blood draw takes just minutes with no special preparation
- Get results - Receive results securely within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects barley-specific IgE antibodies that indicate an allergic immune response to barley proteins.
Is this the same as celiac testing? No, this tests for barley allergy, not celiac disease, which requires different testing methods.
Do I need to avoid barley before testing? No dietary restrictions are needed – you can eat normally before your blood draw.
How accurate are blood allergy tests? IgE blood tests have 70-90% sensitivity for detecting specific allergen sensitivities (Mayo Clinic 2024).
What if my results are positive? Consult with an allergist for diagnosis confirmation and management planning, including possible oral food challenges.
Can this test detect other grain allergies? This test is specific to barley – consider broader grain panels for wheat, rye, and oat testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures barley-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to determine if your immune system is sensitized to barley proteins. When you have a barley allergy, your body produces these antibodies as an immune response, which can trigger symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis (Food Allergy Research & Education 2021).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming barley-containing products like beer, soups, stews, or baked goods. It's particularly useful for people with unexplained hives, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal distress following barley exposure. Those with family history of grain allergies or atopic conditions may also benefit from screening (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023).
When should I order a Barley Allergy Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you experience symptoms like hives, sneezing, coughing, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating barley or barley-containing products. The test is also recommended for monitoring known barley allergy patients for changes in IgE levels over time.
How do I interpret the results?
Normal/Low IgE Level
- What it means: No barley sensitization detected
- Typical action: Continue normal diet, retest if symptoms develop
Elevated IgE Level
- What it means: Barley allergy likely
- Typical action: Avoid barley, consult allergist, consider epinephrine prescription
Very High IgE Level
- What it means: Strong allergic sensitivity
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, emergency action plan, carry epinephrine
Food allergy affects approximately 8% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S., making early detection increasingly important (CDC 2023).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this blood test. You don't need to fast or adjust medications. Simply arrive at your scheduled appointment or complete your at-home collection kit as directed.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then as needed
- Known barley allergy monitoring: Every 1–2 years or as directed by physician
- After allergic reaction: 3–6 months to assess severity changes
- Family history screening: Every 2–3 years or when symptoms develop
Why early detection matters
Early identification of barley allergy enables proper avoidance strategies and reduces risks of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. With barley being the fourth-largest cereal grain worldwide, understanding your sensitivity has significant health implications (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 2022). Prompt detection allows you to carry emergency medications, read food labels carefully, and maintain an allergy diary to track triggers.
Related tests you may consider
Allergy Cereal Group Panel IgE Blood Test - Detects possible IgE-mediated responses to five common cereal (grain) allergens
Gluten Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels to screen for adverse reactions to gluten proteins found in wheat.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities
