Cultivated Wheat-Specific IgE, Qualitative (RAST) [Deprecated]
A blood test that looks for IgE antibodies to wheat, which may be present in people with a wheat allergy. This older test designation is deprecated.
["Detected wheat-specific IgE can support a suspected wheat allergy, but it must be interpreted alongside symptoms and other allergy testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16087-9
- Short code
- Deprecated Cultivated Wheat IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Cultivated Wheat IgE RAST Ql
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test checks a blood sample for IgE antibodies directed against cultivated wheat. IgE is an immune-system antibody associated with allergic reactions. The test designation is deprecated, so the laboratory may use a newer wheat-specific IgE assay.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to help evaluate a suspected wheat allergy, especially after symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or abdominal pain occur after eating wheat. It may also be part of an allergy evaluation when the clinical history alone is not clear.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory measures wheat-specific IgE using an immunoassay. This older test is sometimes called a RAST, or radioallergosorbent test. A qualitative result generally reports whether wheat-specific IgE was detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation or fasting is usually required for a blood allergy test. Tell your clinician about your symptoms, when they occur in relation to wheat, and any previous allergy-test results. Do not stop medicines without medical advice.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detected wheat-specific IgE indicates immune sensitization to wheat and may support a wheat allergy, particularly when symptoms occur after exposure. It does not by itself prove that wheat causes the symptoms, because sensitization can occur without clinical allergy. A result that does not detect wheat-specific IgE lowers suspicion but does not completely exclude allergy.
Short name
Wheat-Specific IgE
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am allergic to wheat?
Can I be allergic to wheat if this test is negative?
Why is the test marked deprecated?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy