About the wheat allergy test

The Home Allergy Test analyses your body's reaction to 294 different allergens using sophisticated technology. This reliable allergy blood test includes testing for 154 different food allergens and components, including wheat. That allows for comprehensive precision testing right down to individual proteins in an allergen source.

1. Order your test kit
2. Collect a small blood sample at home
3. Send it to our partner lab for analysis
4. Get detailed results within 2 weeks

The test kit contains everything you need to collect a small blood sample from your fingertip. We suggest you set aside about 30 minutes to do it. Try to find a time when you won't be disturbed. And collect your blood sample in a clean and comfortable environment. We include a step-by-step guide in the box and you can also watch our how-to video.

Next, you need to post your blood sample to our partner lab for analysis. We include a prepaid return envelope in the test kit. We ask you to post the sample within 24 hours after collecting it to make sure it’s stable and suitable for testing.

The test must be activated online so we know it belongs to you. You'll find your unique code on the welcome card included in the test kit. We can't process your test unless it's activated. Activating your test also creates your secure, online account if you don’t already have one with us. You’ll be able to view and download your wheat allergy test results from your online account.

The Home Allergy Test identifies and measures specific antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. Since IgE antibodies are different depending on what they’re reacting to, the Home Allergy Test can pin-point which allergens might be causing your symptoms of allergy.

The Home Allergy Test doesn't test for wheat intolerance, gluten sensitivity, intolerance to gluten or coeliac disease. But the Home Allergy Test can be a first step to finding out if you’re allergic to wheat.

Is the Home Allergy Test suitable for children?

The Home Allergy Test is suitable for anyone over the age of 12 years. For children under the age of 12, a blood test for allergies must be performed by a doctor. Children and adolescents between 12 and 18 must be supervised by a parent or carer to take this allergy blood test.

The Home Allergy Test is a convenient way to start testing for wheat allergy. You can take the blood test in the comfort of your own home, without needing to wait for an appointment. And you can access your results online. Order your wheat allergy test today.

Many allergens, one test

• Pollen 59
• Pets 25
• Mites 19
• Insect stings 10
• Moulds & yeasts 13
• Foods 154
• Other 14

Symptoms of wheat allergy

Wheat allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. The allergic reaction nearly always happens within a few minutes of eating the food containing wheat.

Common wheat allergy symptoms

• Tingling or itching in the mouth
• A raised, itchy red rash (hives) – sometimes the skin can turn red and itchy without a raised rash
• Swelling of the face, mouth, throat or other parts of the body
• Difficulty swallowing
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
• Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
• Abdominal pain or diarrhoea
• Hay fever-like symptoms such as sneezing or itchy eyes

Anaphylaxis

Wheat can cause an acute, severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in some people. Anaphylaxis can affect your breathing and send your body into shock.

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening so prompt emergency treatment is essential.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear suddenly and quickly get worse. It can start with the symptoms listed above but can lead to:

• Swollen tongue
• Breathing difficulties
• Tight chest
• Trouble swallowing or speaking
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Collapse

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or somebody you’re with experiences any of these symptoms.

Why you should get tested for wheat allergy

Uncontrolled symptoms of allergies can have an impact on your everyday life. And if you're allergic to wheat, it can have a considerable impact on what you can eat as wheat can be found in so many different foods and drinks.

It's difficult to predict how severe each allergic reaction to wheat may be. People who've previously experienced mild symptoms may develop severe symptoms at any other time they eat a food containing with wheat.

If you think your symptoms might be caused by food allergies or specifically, you think your symptoms might be caused by wheat allergies, an allergy blood test can help you find out. The results of the Home Allergy Test will show if you're sensitised to wheat and many other allergens. Being sensitised doesn't necessarily mean you're allergic to wheat, or any of the other allergens tested. Think of the results of allergy testing as a sign of suspected allergy rather than definitive proof. Your allergy blood test results will need to be interpreted by a doctor along with your symptoms and medical history for a diagnosis of wheat allergy.

If you're diagnosed with wheat allergy, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to wheat and any other specific trigger substances. Please don’t make any changes to your lifestyle or diet without consulting your doctor. If your doctor advises it, you could try a wheat-free diet for example. With an accurate diagnosis of wheat allergy, you'll be able to discuss a suitable treatment plan with your doctor.

Wheat allergy: a closer look

Wheat can be the cause of three key health problems, including allergies:

• Wheat intolerance is also known as wheat sensitivity. Symptoms of wheat intolerance include digestive discomfort, diarrhoea and bloating. There is no allergic reaction and it’s never life-threatening.
• Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. The immune system is mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.
• Wheat allergy is when your immune system overreacts to one or more proteins found in wheat. Allergic reactions to wheat can be mild. But they can also be very serious for some people.

Wheat allergy symptoms can appear at any age but they’re most common in babies and children.

In an allergic reaction to substances that are normally harmless, such as wheat, your immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to the wheat allergen it’s trying to fight. The IgE antibodies identify the proteins in wheat as a potential threat. And signal your immune system to release certain chemicals, including histamine. And it’s those chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Histamine causes small blood vessels to expand and the surrounding skin to swell. It increases the amount of mucus in your nose in an attempt to flush the allergen out. Histamine also affects the nerves in your skin, causing itchiness.

Allergic reactions don’t usually happen the first time you encounter an allergen. Your body needs to prep its defence mechanisms first. Your immune system has to recognise and memorise the allergen before it can produce specific IgE antibodies. The process of your body becoming sensitive to an allergen is called sensitisation.

Sensitisation is the first step of developing an allergy. It means that your body has become sensitive to an allergen and has created IgE antibodies as part of the defence against it.

The difference between sensitisation and allergy is whether your immune system uses its defence mechanisms or not. Basically, if the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms are released or not. If you’re allergic to wheat, your next encounter with the wheat allergen might trigger an allergic reaction.

But you can be sensitised and encounter the specific substance repeatedly and never experience allergy symptoms. Sensitisation does not always lead to symptoms, but symptoms do not develop without sensitisation.