Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and What Your Results Mean
This blood test measures IgE antibodies specific to barley smut and wheat smut fungi, helping diagnose allergic reactions to these plant pathogens.
{"Measures IgE antibodies against barley and wheat smut fungi in blood","Used to diagnose fungal allergies in people exposed to grain","Sample is collected from a vein in your arm","Results help guide treatment for allergy symptoms","Results are typically reported as positive or negative"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14104-4
- Short code
- BRWSMTIGE
- Synonyms
- Barley+Wheat smut IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; serum aliquot transferred to a sterile, leak-proof plastic transport tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39579006
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL of serum (minimum required volume varies by reference laboratory; typically 0.5 mL suffices for a single allergen IgE assay)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C (refrigerated); for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test helps your healthcare provider learn important information about your health by analyzing a sample, such as blood or urine, to check how well your body is working or to look for signs of a possible medical condition.
The Barley Smut and Wheat Smut IgE Antibody test is a blood test that detects specific IgE antibodies in your serum. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody your immune system produces when you have an allergic reaction. This test looks for antibodies specifically targeted against barley smut (Ustilago hordei) and wheat smut (Tilletia species), which are fungal pathogens that infect cereal grains.
During the test, a trained healthcare professional will collect the sample needed for analysis, which may involve drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm or asking you to provide another type of specimen. The procedure is usually quick, causes only minor discomfort, and most people can return to their normal activities right afterward.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will test your serum for the presence of IgE antibodies specific to barley smut and wheat smut fungi. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test.
Your results will show whether your values fall within the normal reference range for this test. If any value is higher or lower than expected, it may point to a condition that needs further evaluation. Your doctor will explain what the numbers mean for your specific situation and discuss any follow-up testing, monitoring, or treatment options with you.
Results are typically reported as either positive or negative. A positive result indicates that IgE antibodies to barley smut and/or wheat smut were detected in your blood, suggesting you may have an allergy to these fungal organisms. A negative result means no specific IgE antibodies were detected, though this does not completely rule out an allergy. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results together with your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
<0.35 kU/L: Negative; 0.35-0.70 kU/L: Equivocal/Borderline; 0.71-3.50 kU/L: Positive (Low); 3.51-17.50 kU/L: Positive (Moderate); 17.51-50.00 kU/L: Positive (High); >50.00 kU/L: Positive (Very High). Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patient may continue usual medications unless otherwise directed by physician. Inform the physician of any recent antihistamine use, as these may affect skin testing but generally do not interfere with serum IgE testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to diagnose fungal allergies in individuals who work with grains, such as farmers, grain handlers, or bakery workers. Exposure to smut fungi can cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, or skin reactions in sensitized individuals. Identifying the specific allergen helps with proper management and avoidance strategies. Positive results may guide immunotherapy treatment decisions and help distinguish between allergic and infectious conditions with similar symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Who should have this test?
Is the test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to stop my allergy medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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.
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy