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Barleyigeigetotal

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This blood test measures antibodies to barley and checks your total IgE level to help diagnose a barley allergy.

Quick summary

{"Detects specific IgE antibodies against barley protein","Measures total IgE to assess overall allergic tendency","Helps diagnose or rule out barley as the cause of allergic symptoms","Results are reported as positive or negative with numeric values","Sample is collected from a blood draw in a laboratory"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61273-9
Short code
BARLEY
Synonyms
Barley IgE/IgE total %
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) - yellow top, or red top tube without anticoagulant
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.35
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
CPT
86003
SNOMED
39513007
Specimen volume
1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Serum stable at room temperature for 7 days; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen (-20°C) for up to 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Barley IgE Ab/IgE total test is a laboratory blood test that checks whether your immune system reacts to barley. It measures two things: (1) specific IgE antibodies against barley protein, and (2) your total IgE level, which reflects your overall allergic tendency. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces IgE antibodies that recognize and attack specific allergens like barley proteins.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed to detect the presence and amount of barley-specific IgE antibodies and total IgE. No special preparation is needed before the test.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as either positive or negative for barley-specific IgE. A positive result means IgE antibodies to barley were detected, suggesting you may have a barley allergy. The level (concentration) of IgE may indicate the strength of the allergic reaction. Total IgE levels can help assess whether you have an atopic (allergic) tendency. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results together with your symptoms and medical history.

Reference range

Total IgE: <100 kU/L (adults); Barley-specific IgE: Class 0 (<0.35 kU/L) = Negative, Class 1 (0.35-0.70) = Low, Class 2 (0.71-3.50) = Moderate, Class 3 (3.51-17.50) = High, Class 4 (17.51-50.00) = Very High, Class 5 (50.01-100.00) = Very High, Class 6 (>100.00) = Extremely HighN/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any antihistamine or corticosteroid use, as these medications may affect IgE test results. Avoid recent allergen exposure when possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No, you do not need to fast before this test. You can eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn.
Can this test tell me how severe my allergy is?
While the level of barley-specific IgE can provide some indication of sensitivity, it cannot definitively predict the severity of an allergic reaction. Your healthcare provider will consider your test results along with your symptoms and medical history to assess risk.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days, but the exact time may vary depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will inform you when your results are ready.
What foods contain barley that I should avoid if allergic?
Barley is found in many foods including bread, pasta, cereals, beer, soups, flour, and malt. Always check food ingredient labels for barley or barley-derived ingredients.
Is this test safe for children?
Yes, this test is safe for children. It only requires a standard blood draw, which is a common and low-risk procedure for patients of all ages.
  1. 1
    American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - Food AllergySource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Food AllergySource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy