Shellfish Allergy Test Panel

Also Known As:

Allergen Profile, Food-Shellfish, Quantitative Allergen-specific IgE Test (Shellfish) 

Purpose of the Shellfish Allergy Test

The shellfish allergy panel helps confirm food allergies against clam, crab, lobster, oyster, scallop, shrimp, and other shellfish. It is also required to assess allergic sensitivity, laying the foundation for immunotherapy. Those who take medications also opt to take the test, especially if the response to the condition is below expectations.

What Does the Shellfish Allergy Panel Measure?

Shellfish allergy testing screens for immunoglobulin E (IgE) – an antibody released by the immune system when an allergen enters the bloodstream. Allergens are harmless substances incorrectly marked as dangerous elements by the immune system.

In the case of shellfish allergy, the allergen is typically a muscle protein commonly found in shellfish called tropomyosin. Thus, eating shellfish increases IgE, making this antibody a perfect marker for the immune response.

Standard tests included in a shellfish allergy panel include the following:

• Shrimp Allergy Test
• Lobster Allergy Test
• Crab Allergy Test
• Clam Allergy Test
• Oyster Allergy Test
• Scallop Allergy Test

Who Should Take a Blood Test for Shellfish Allergy?

Those who repeatedly exhibit allergy symptoms for over two weeks should take an allergy blood test. If the allergic reaction is triggered after eating shellfish or mollusks, inform your doctor to confirm the medical connection.

Shellfish allergy symptoms you should watch out for include:

• Stuffy nose
• Watery eyes
• Abdominal cramps
• Throat tightness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Coughing and choking
• Sneezing and wheezing
• Skin rashes and itchiness
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Swollen lips, face, tongue, and other body parts

Withholding testing increases your risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening shock caused by allergies. This results in low blood pressure, weak pulse, breathing difficulty, narrow airways, severe digestive distress, rapid skin rash,  and even death. Thus, consult your doctor at the onset of allergy symptoms.

Shellfish Allergy Test Preparation

No special preparation is needed before blood sample collection.

Shellfish Allergy Test Panel Results

The IgE test for shellfish allergy not only detects the antibodies but measures them as well. The test report uses reference intervals to show how high IgE is for a specific shellfish.

For example, when taking a Labcorp Allergen Profile for shellfish, the normal level of IgE is less than 0.10 kU/L. Exceeding this value helps verify the allergy and the specific result also falls under a particular class which determines the severity of the condition.

Where Can I Get Shellfish Allergy Testing Done Near Me?

If you show allergy symptoms after consuming shellfish, get tested through these simple steps.

Step 1: Visit our website’s allergy tests section, order the shellfish allergy test panel and download the lab test order. This becomes your doctor’s order for your bloodwork.

Step 2: Choose a patient partner center near you through the lab locator.

Step 3: Go to the lab of your choice for the blood collection.

Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.

For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.