Seafood Allergy Panel

Measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to allergens common with seafood allergies. This test can help you and your healthcare provider determine whether you have a seafood allergy. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$149.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

The Seafood Allergy Panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies that your immune system produces in response to specific seafood, such as codfish, crab, lobster, salmon, shrimp, and tuna.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

The Seafood Allergy Panel measures your immune response to codfish, crab, lobster, salmon, shrimp, and tuna allergens, which may indicate a seafood allergy.

This panel checks your blood for a type of allergy-related antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When you are exposed to an allergen, your immune system activates the release of too much of the antibody IgE. IgE activation causes the release of a substance called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

PLEASE NOTE

This test reports the presence of IgE antibodies to 6 allergens, but the result by itself cannot confirm the presence of an allergy. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider or an allergy specialist. They will review your results along with your medical history, signs and symptoms, medications, and any other test results. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose an allergy and prescribe medication, if needed.

How do I know if this test is right for me?

An allergic reaction to a particular food can range from uncomfortable to severe. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours after eating a particular food.

This test is right for you.

If you have any of these symptoms, this test may be right for you.

Tingling or itching in the mouth
Hives or eczema
Itching or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body
Wheezing
Nasal congestion or slight trouble breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
History of a mild allergic reaction to a particular food

This test may not be right for you.

If you experience these more severe symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Constriction and tightening of the airways
A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
A severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness

Measure the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are an immune response to specific seafood allergens that may indicate an allergy:

Codfish
Crab
Lobster
Salmon
Shrimp
Tuna

A seafood allergy is a common type of food allergy and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. If someone with a seafood allergy eats or comes across products containing seafood, proteins in their immune system may activate the release of too much of the antibody IgE. IgE activation causes the release of a substance called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

The Seafood Allergy Panel may be helpful in identifying if you have had or currently have an allergic reaction to seafood. If so, you may have any of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Itchiness of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other area
Hives (also known as urticaria), characterized by the sudden appearance of pale reddish bumps or welts on the skin that may be accompanied by swelling
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling faint
Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock)

Most allergic reactions occur within minutes, but some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to these allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person's blood pressure drops so severely that the body's cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Due to the severity of a possible allergic reaction, it's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to determine an optimal treatment and prevention plan.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

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Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

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Easy to buy & simple to schedule

After your purchase, schedule an appointment at a nearby Quest Diagnostics location and have your specimen sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.

Fast online results, with support

Access test results from your phone as soon as they’re available, with the option to discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your healthcare provider, family, or friends.

FAQs

How will I know if a food contains these ingredients?

According to federal law, fish and shellfish ingredients must be plainly stated on packaged foods and dietary supplements in the United States. Also, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that manufacturers disclose on food labels whether a product contains certain types of fish or shellfish.

Although avoiding seafood allergens is the best way to prevent a reaction, you can still find these allergens in unexpected places, such as soaps, creams, massage oils, and other products. Be sure to read labels and research the products you use carefully.

How long does it take for an allergic reaction to occur?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur very quickly. However, some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to these allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause the body to go into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops so severely that the body’s cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen.

If I’m allergic to finfish, can I still eat shellfish?

The allergens in finfish (fish with fins) are different from those found in shellfish, and they are not necessarily related. Most people who have a finfish allergy are still able to eat shellfish, and vice versa. Speak with your healthcare provider before reintroducing foods that you suspect may trigger symptoms.

Seafood Allergy Panel