Blood Testing
Cereal Allergy Profile Testing
What is Cereal Allergy?
A cereal allergy refers to an allergic reaction triggered by certain proteins found in cereal grains like barley, oats, rye, and wheat. These grains are common in many foods, including bread, pasta, cereal, and baked goods. If you are allergic to these grains, your immune system mistakenly identifies their proteins as harmful and produces an allergic response. Symptoms of a cereal allergy can range from mild to severe and may include skin rashes, digestive issues, breathing difficulties, or even anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
What is the Cereal Allergy Profile Test?
The Cereal Allergy Profile is a blood test designed to identify allergies to specific cereal grains, including barley, oat, rye, and wheat. This profile measures the levels of total IgE antibodies and the specific IgE antibodies for each individual cereal grain.
- Total IgE Test: IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody produced by your immune system in response to an allergen. The total IgE test measures the overall level of IgE in your blood, which may indicate an allergic predisposition.
- Individual IgE Tests for Barley, Oat, Rye, and Wheat: These tests measure the specific IgE antibodies produced in response to proteins found in these grains. Elevated levels of specific IgE antibodies suggest an allergy to that particular grain.
Why Do I Need This Test?
If you are experiencing symptoms like skin rashes, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or difficulty breathing after consuming foods containing barley, oat, rye, or wheat. The test helps:
- Confirm whether your symptoms are due to a specific cereal allergy.
- Identify which grains (barley, oat, rye, or wheat) you may be allergic to.
- Guide your dietary choices to avoid foods that trigger allergic reactions.
What Happens After the Test?
If the test results show that you are allergic to one or more of the grains tested, your healthcare provider will discuss steps to manage your allergy. This may include:
- Avoiding foods that contain the allergen: You may need to eliminate foods containing barley, oat, rye, or wheat from your diet.
- Emergency plan: If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for emergency use.
- Referral to an allergist: If needed, you may be referred to an allergist for further evaluation and management of your allergy.
What If the Test Is Negative?
If the test results are negative but you continue to experience symptoms after eating certain cereals, you should seek medical advice.
