Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast, accurate results - Get definitive allergy diagnosis in days, not weeks
- Safer than skin testing - No risk of triggering severe allergic reactions
- Convenient testing - No fasting required, simple blood draw at local labs
- Quantitative results - Precise IgE levels help assess allergy severity
- Dietary clarity - Know exactly which foods to avoid for symptom relief
- Emergency preparedness - Results guide anaphylaxis prevention and treatment plans
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained reactions after eating gluten-free or grain-based foods
- Individuals with respiratory symptoms (wheezing, congestion) following buckwheat exposure
- Those with digestive issues (nausea, stomach pain) after consuming buckwheat products
- People with family history of food allergies seeking comprehensive screening
- Individuals needing allergy documentation for school, work, or travel safety
- Anyone with chronic skin reactions or eczema that worsens after certain meals
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive lab requisition forms instantly
- Visit lab - Get a quick blood draw at any participating lab location
- Get results - Receive detailed results within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test quantifies buckwheat-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to determine if you're allergic to buckwheat proteins.
How accurate is the buckwheat allergy blood test? IgE blood tests demonstrate high specificity and sensitivity when combined with symptom history.
Can I take this test if I'm on antihistamines? Yes, antihistamines don't affect blood IgE levels, unlike skin prick tests which require stopping medications.
What if my results are borderline? Borderline results require clinical correlation with your symptoms and may warrant consultation with an allergist.
Will this test show other food allergies? No, this test is specific to buckwheat. Consider a comprehensive food allergy panel for broader screening.
How quickly can buckwheat cause allergic reactions? Reactions typically occur within minutes to hours of exposure, ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Buckwheat Allergy IgE Blood Test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to buckwheat proteins in your blood. When your immune system mistakenly identifies buckwheat as harmful, it produces these antibodies, triggering allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis (Anaphylaxis UK 2022).
This quantitative test uses ImmunoCAP® or ELISA-based immunoassays to provide precise IgE concentration levels and severity classifications. Unlike skin prick tests, blood testing eliminates the risk of triggering severe reactions during diagnosis, making it safer for individuals with suspected severe allergies.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing immediate hypersensitivity symptoms after buckwheat exposure. People with personal or family history of food allergies or atopic conditions (asthma, eczema) are at higher risk and should consider testing (PubMed 2022).
Healthcare providers often recommend this test when skin testing is contraindicated due to severe eczema, inability to stop antihistamines, or risk of anaphylaxis. It's also useful for monitoring allergy severity over time or confirming suspected hidden buckwheat exposure in processed foods.
When should I order Buckwheat Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience immediate reactions after eating buckwheat-containing foods such as soba noodles, pancakes, or gluten-free products. Symptoms requiring testing include skin reactions (hives, rash), respiratory distress (wheezing, difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), or systemic reactions.
Consider testing if you have unexplained allergic symptoms that occur after meals, especially if you frequently consume gluten-free or whole grain products that may contain buckwheat as a hidden ingredient.
How do I interpret the results?
Results include quantitative IgE levels (kU/L) and corresponding allergy class ratings:
IgE < 0.35 kU/L (Class 0)
- Interpretation: Negative / No allergy detected
- Typical Action: Buckwheat likely safe to consume
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L (Class 1)
- Interpretation: Low sensitization
- Typical Action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L (Class 2)
- Interpretation: Moderate sensitization
- Typical Action: Consider avoidance, monitor symptoms
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L (Class 3)
- Interpretation: High sensitization
- Typical Action: Strict avoidance recommended
IgE 17.50–49.99 kU/L (Class 4)
- Interpretation: Very high sensitization
- Typical Action: Complete avoidance, emergency plan
IgE 50.00–99.99 kU/L (Class 5)
- Interpretation: Very high sensitization
- Typical Action: Complete avoidance, carry epinephrine
IgE > 100 kU/L (Class 6)
- Interpretation: Extremely high sensitization
- Typical Action: Strict avoidance, anaphylaxis risk
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased likelihood of clinical allergy, but results must be interpreted alongside your symptom history.
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 test. You don't need to fast or stop taking medications. Antihistamines, which can interfere with skin prick tests, don't affect blood IgE levels, making this test more convenient for patients on allergy medications.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking and recent exposure to buckwheat, as this information helps with result interpretation.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once for baseline
- Children with known allergy: Every 1–2 years
- Adults with stable allergy: Every 2–3 years or as needed
- After allergic reaction: Within 6–12 months
- Considering reintroduction: Before attempting under medical supervision
Why early detection matters
Early detection of buckwheat allergy prevents severe emergency interventions and reduces healthcare costs associated with anaphylaxis hospitalizations (PMC Plants 2021). Studies indicate that children with elevated buckwheat IgE are at increased risk of severe allergic responses, making early identification crucial for implementing proper dietary management and emergency preparedness.
Prompt diagnosis enables development of comprehensive allergy action plans, proper food labeling awareness, and appropriate emergency medication prescriptions, significantly improving quality of life and safety.
Related tests you may consider
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.
Wheat Allergy Blood Test, IgE - Measures the IgE antibody levels to help detect a food allergy to wheat.
Tryptase Blood Test - Measures the tryptase levels in a blood sample to diagnose the cause of a severe allergic reaction or to screen for a mast cell disorder.
