There is a type of protein that some people have a high intolerance to, it is commonly known as “Gluten”. Gluten is a basic component that makes some foods such as grains, wheat, barley, and rye.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a severe type of Gluten intolerance known as Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects about, 3,320,232 which is 1% of the population in the US, and may lead to damage in the digestive system. However, 0.5–13% of people may also have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a milder form of gluten intolerance that can still cause health complications.
Gluten intolerance can have numerous symptoms. Get screened for gluten allergy if you experience any of the symptoms because untreated gluten intolerance can have adverse health issues.
The article below covers all the significant topics of allergy tests like allergy test cost, allergy test cost with insurance, what is an allergy, types of allergies, symptoms of an allergy, risk factors, test procedure, preparation, treatment, and prevention.
- Gluten Allergy test cost
- What is an allergy & its types?
- What is a Gluten Allergy?
- What are the symptoms of Gluten allergy?
- How is a gluten allergy diagnosed?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- What are the treatments for gluten allergy?
- What are the complications of gluten allergy?
- Risk factors of gluten allergy
- How to prevent gluten allergy?
- Gluten Allergy test providers location
For our readers, who would like to know more about the gluten allergy test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the gluten allergy test cost?
A Gluten Allergy test costs $29 in the U.S. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or any kind of medical advice.
The following table shows the gluten allergy test cost at one of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Starting from$29 |
Allergy test cost with insurance
Insurance companies in the U.S. cover allergy testing costs including gluten allergy testing. But, our allergy testing providers do not accept any health insurance. In the case of your insurance company assuring for reimbursement, our providers can give you the receipt containing all the details needed for reimbursement purposes.
It is recommended to check with your insurance company regarding the reimbursement if you get tested with the above service providers.
Gluten allergy test cost without insurance
Normally, the gluten allergy test providers mentioned above do not accept insurance. You are required to pay out of your pocket. Though the insurance is not covered, the gluten allergy test cost offered by the above providers is the lowest. You can contact our above service providers for more information.
What is an allergy?
Allergy is a reaction caused by human anatomy to fight against certain invading foreign substances. These external substances are fought with antibodies and the immune system triggers symptoms like inflammation, rashes, etc. The foreign substances entering the body are often termed allergens
Some of the common allergens that trigger allergic reactions are
- Animal products (cat/dog and other pet dander, waste of dust mite)
- Drugs
- Food (wheat, egg, peanuts, fish)
- Spices
- Insects
- Pollens from different plants
- Metals
- Other allergens like latex (a milky fluid produced by many plants – knows as Latex allergy)
What is a Gluten Allergy?
Gluten is nothing but a combination of proteins that can be found naturally in some grains like wheat, rye, and barley, or as an additive in processed/canned foods.
Some people have this intolerance when gluten products are consumed and trigger allergy-like symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Gluten allergies are typically less complicated than other gluten-related conditions like Celiac Disease. When you start a strict gluten-free diet these symptoms can cease to occur.
There are 3 similar conditions that are somewhat related to gluten but they have some important differences that are worth noting to differentiate your condition, they are:
1. Celiac disease: This is a genetic disorder and an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly triggers allergic symptoms to fight against certain invading foreign substances. Celiac disease is a more complex form of gluten sensitivity that damages the lining of the small intestine (known as villi) and can lead to malabsorption/indigestion of nutrients.
Your doctor will order if he/she suspects that you have a family history of celiac disease and other symptoms of celiac and endoscopy/biopsy might be done, but will not show any irregularities in gluten sensitivity. Some people tend to be okayish for a while, but most people have to avoid gluten completely to stop having adverse health issues.
2.Wheat allergy: Unlike other gluten products, wheat allergy is an immune system response to the proteins in wheat in particular. If you have a wheat allergy, then your immune system initiates a reaction to the wheat consumed causing symptoms like hives, swelling of the lips and throat, and, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. The response in wheat allergy is very instant that the symptoms can be seen within minutes to a few hours of the last wheatmeal.
In the case of only wheat allergy, you can consume gluten from non-wheat sources. However, this can also be restricted if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In children, some tend to have a wheat allergy at a young age but as they grow the system accepts wheat, but as adults, it usually persists lifelong.
3. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: This is a condition where it doesn’t have the autoimmune markers or allergy symptoms as seen in celiac disease and wheat allergy and doesn’t show any damage to the small intestine after consuming gluten. Also, the symptoms start to develop after a few days (in two or more days), unlike the wheat allergy where symptoms are live within hours.
What are the symptoms of Gluten allergy?
Gluten intolerance is a common problem seen in most adults and sometimes even as children experience gluten allergy. When the condition gets severe, it is termed Celiac Disease. Both forms of Gluten intolerance can cause abnormal symptoms besides digestive problem, they are as follows –
- Bloating – when you feel as if your belly is swollen or full of gas after you’ve eaten
- “Brain fog” refers to the feeling of being unable to think clearly.
- gluten intolerance is neuropathy, which involves numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
- Join and muscle pain – cause inflammation in gluten-sensitive individuals. The inflammation may result in widespread pain, including in joints and muscle
- Autoimmune disorder
- Anxiety – Individuals with gluten intolerance seem to be more prone to anxiety and panic disorders than healthy individuals
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Unexpected weight change
- Depression
- Gluten intolerance can also affect your skin. – reddening of the skin, non-scarring hair loss, recurrent, itchy, pink, or red lesions with pale centers
- Abdominal pain – Up to 83% of those with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating gluten
- Diarrhea, constipation, and smelly feces – damages in the gut lining of the intestine and leads to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in significant digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea or constipation
According to a study from the Celiac Disease Foundation, more than half of people with celiac disease continue to have symptoms even when they’re on a strict zero-gluten diet.
How is a gluten allergy diagnosed?
Most often when your physician suspects that you are reacting to gluten, they ask you to get celiac disease testing done first. However, if your celiac disease test results come back negative despite having some symptoms, then a gluten sensitivity screening test may provide you with evidence that your body is mounting a reaction to gluten intake.
Besides the celiac disease test, the gluten allergy tests a test used to screen for:
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Wheat allergy
The above-mentioned conditions are acting as a consequence of the presence of gluten, a primary component of wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
If you want your results to show a clear picture of your condition, do not undergo a gluten-free diet prior to the testing. You can continue with your regular diet and daily habits to have accurate results.
Thus, there is no special preparation needed before the blood sample collection or skin test.
What are the treatments for gluten allergy?
There are different gluten allergy treatments available depending on the severity of your allergy. Nonetheless, when it comes to gluten intolerance conditions your physician will recommend going for a gluten-free diet for a certain period of time. In some cases, you may be asked to continue for life-long (if you have repetitive gluten sensitivity occurring after the last treatment).
Gluten is a protein that is naturally seen in wheat, rye, and barley. Most cereals, grains, and pasta, as well as many processed foods, are gluten-rich. Beers and other grain-based alcoholic drinks can also be a source of high-gluten. Thus it is vital to check for the “Gluten-free” label on products that you buy.
Following are foods that do not contain gluten include:
- Cereals such as corn, millet, sorghum, and teff
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and fish
- Pasta, bread, baked goods, and other products labeled “gluten-free”
- Rice flour
- Some grains, including rice, amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat
Following are some foods to avoid as they can contain gluten:
- Canned soups
- Salad dressings
- Candy bars
- Mustard
- Soy sauce
- Seasonings
- Ice cream
- Ketchup
- Processed and canned meats and sausages
If you have avoided all the above gluten-rich foods and still having some symptoms persisting, then consider checking and staying away from the following nonfood products as they can also be a source of gluten:
- Cosmetics, including lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm
- Communion wafers
- Postage stamps
- Some prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Toothpaste
- Vitamin products
Most of the people who had gluten sensitivity have reported that it greatly improves their symptoms as it allows the intestines to heal. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Try speaking with a healthcare provider before eliminating these foods and disclose to him/her about your family history and other requirements for an alternative treatment method.
What are the complications of gluten allergy?
If you have gluten allergy symptoms and did not take any treatment, then untreated, gluten allergy can lead to
- Bone weakening – Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D can lead to bone density loss.
- Malnutrition – This occurs if your small intestine can’t absorb enough minerals as the small intestine needs repair. Malnutrition can lead to weight loss.
- Infertility and miscarriage – Malabsorption of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D can contribute to reproductive problems.
- Cancer – People with a gluten allergy who don’t maintain a gluten-free diet have a greater risk of developing several forms of cancer, including small bowel cancer.
- Nervous system problems – seizures or tremors of the nerves to the hands and feet
- Celiac Disease – current gluten allergy (if not treated) can lead to a more complex form of the celiac disease where health issues are widened.
- Lactose intolerance – Damage to your small intestine might cause you abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming dairy products that contain lactose. Once your intestine has healed, you might be able to consume dairy products without any sensitivity.
Risk factors of gluten allergy
Gluten intolerance can develop in anyone. It is more commonly seen in white people and females. It runs down the family, people with a heredity history of gluten allergies, and children are at a higher risk of developing the allergy. Also, a person with a parent or sibling who has this gluten allergy has a 1 in 10 chance of developing it, too.
How to prevent gluten allergy?
There is no proven way to prevent gluten allergy beforehand. As gluten intolerance is mostly inherited, you can consider having a gluten-free diet as the only viable option to prevent future gluten-related disorders. It is advisable to consult a doctor before avoiding certain gluten-containing food as you may end up losing some nutrients which can be vital for your body.
Gluten Allergy test providers location
Allergy testing can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the nearest lab. To know the allergy test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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