Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 5–7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Screens for allergic (IgE-mediated) reactions to gluten
- Helps identify if gluten triggers symptoms such as itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty
- Convenient and simple blood test — no fasting or skin pricks required
- Useful for differentiating between celiac disease and true wheat/gluten allergy
- Results can guide discussions with your healthcare provider or allergist
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergy-like symptoms (hives, itching, swelling, or wheezing) after eating gluten-containing foods
- People who suspect gluten allergy but have tested negative for celiac disease
- Those with family history of food allergies
- Anyone wanting to identify potential gluten-related allergic reactions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — No physician referral needed; place your order anytime.
- Visit lab — Provide a small blood sample at your convenience; no special preparation required.
- Get results — Receive your secure, easy-to-read report within 5–7 business days.
FAQ
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Do I need to eat gluten before testing? No. Unlike celiac disease tests, this allergy test does not require you to consume gluten beforehand.
How accurate is this blood test? The Gluten (F79) IgE Blood Test uses advanced laboratory methods to detect gluten-specific IgE antibodies with high precision. However, results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history and symptoms by a healthcare provider.
Can I take this test if I'm already gluten-free? Yes. Since this test measures IgE antibodies, short-term gluten avoidance will not significantly affect results.
What if my results are positive? A positive result indicates that your immune system produces IgE antibodies to gluten, suggesting a possible gluten allergy. Your healthcare provider or allergist can confirm the diagnosis and guide you on next steps for management or avoidance.
Will this test diagnose celiac disease definitively? No. This test screens for an IgE-mediated gluten allergy, not celiac disease. To check for celiac disease, you would need a celiac antibody panel or follow-up testing from your healthcare provider.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Gluten (F79) IgE Blood Test measures your immune system’s production of IgE antibodies in response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. High IgE levels suggest an allergic reaction to gluten rather than the autoimmune response seen in celiac disease.
This test helps determine whether exposure to gluten may be causing allergy-related symptoms, such as itching, swelling, skin rashes, or respiratory discomfort. It’s useful for identifying potential food allergies and for differentiating them from gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be helpful for:
- Individuals who develop hives, itching, swelling, or wheezing after eating foods containing gluten
- People who have tested negative for celiac disease but still experience allergic symptoms after gluten exposure
- Those with a family history of food allergies or asthma
- Anyone seeking to determine whether their body has an IgE-mediated response to gluten
When should I order a Gluten Blood Test?
You should consider this test if you:
- Experience immediate allergic symptoms (such as hives, itching, or shortness of breath) after eating gluten-containing foods
- Suspect a food allergy rather than gluten intolerance or celiac disease
- Want to confirm a suspected gluten allergy before making major dietary changes
- Need guidance for further testing or referral to an allergist for confirmation and management
Unlike celiac disease tests, this IgE test does not require eating gluten before testing—you can maintain your usual diet.
How do I interpret the results?
- Class 0 (<0.10 kU/L): Absent or undetectable gluten-specific IgE — No allergy detected
- Class 0/1 (0.10–0.34 kU/L): Very low level — May not be clinically significant; correlate with symptoms
- Class 1 (0.35–0.69 kU/L): Low level — Possible mild sensitization; monitor symptoms
- Class 2 (0.70–3.49 kU/L): Moderate level — Suggests sensitization; consider allergist consultation
- Class 3 (3.50–17.4 kU/L): High level — Likely allergic sensitization; clinical evaluation recommended
- Class 4 (17.5–49.9 kU/L): Very high level — Strong indication of allergy; consult an allergist for confirmation
- Class 5 (50–100 kU/L): Very high level — Significant allergy likely; medical management advised
- Class 6 (>100 kU/L): Very high level — Severe allergic sensitization; seek professional evaluation and management
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 fasting is required for this test, and you do not need to eat gluten beforehand. You can continue your normal diet unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Be sure to inform your provider about any antihistamines, steroids, or other allergy medications you’re taking, as these may affect the test results. It’s also best to avoid allergy testing during an active allergic reaction—wait until symptoms have fully resolved before testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, when experiencing allergy-like symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods
- Monitoring: Repeat testing if symptoms change, worsen, or after treatment adjustments recommended by your healthcare provider
- Family history risk: Every few years, or as advised by an allergist, if food allergies run in your family
- Symptom recurrence: As needed, especially if allergic reactions reappear after a period without symptoms
Why early detection matters
Identifying a gluten allergy early helps prevent potentially serious allergic reactions, which can range from mild itching or hives to more severe respiratory symptoms. Early detection allows you and your healthcare provider to take steps to manage your allergy safely—such as adjusting your diet, planning emergency treatments, and avoiding unnecessary gluten exposure. Recognizing the allergy early also helps differentiate it from celiac disease or gluten intolerance, ensuring you receive the right care and dietary guidance.
Related tests you may consider
Celiac Disease HLA DQ Association Blood Test — Helps rule out celiac disease in ambiguous cases; useful for family screening.
Vitamin Deficiency and Wellness Blood Test Panel — Screens for a selection of vitamins & minerals and wellness markers to catch early nutrient deficiencies.
Celiac Disease Comprehensive Antibody Profile Blood Test – screens for multiple celiac-specific antibodies to help detect celiac disease and differentiate it from wheat allergy or other gluten sensitivities.
