Buckwheat Allergy Blood Test

This test measures a person's allergic reaction to Buckwheat.  Buckwheat is a type of grain that belongs to the same family as quinoa and amaranth.  Despite its name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat and is gluten-free.  This makes it a popular option for bread, pasta, and baked goods for people with gluten sensitivity or conditions like Celiac Disease.  In addition to avoiding food products made with buckwheat, people who are allergic may also need to avoid places like restaurants or bakeries where buckwheat flour is used.

Allergy symptoms can develop anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion or exposure.  Common food allergy symptoms include rash, hives, itching, cough, wheezing, tightening of the throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.  People with a severe allergy may experience anaphylaxis which can be fatal.   

Food allergies are caused by a reaction in the body's immune system.  The body identifies certain substances as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against them.  These antibodies trigger the release of histamine which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.  The severity of the allergy will vary from one person to the next.  Blood allergy testing provides numerical results for IgE antibody levels to help determine how severe a reaction a person will have.  Positive allergy test results should be discussed with a person's doctor to determine the appropriate follow-up.

This test is typically ordered when someone experiences allergy symptoms shortly after eating products made from buckwheat or being in areas where buckwheat is used.  For further options, please see our allergy testing category.

Turnaround for this test is typically 2-5 business days.