Shellfish Allergy Panel

Measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to four shellfish allergens. This test may help you and your healthcare provider determine whether you have an 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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$125.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

The Shellfish Allergy Panel measures the level of IgE antibodies produced by your immune system in response to specific shellfish allergens.

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 Shellfish Allergy Panel measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced in the blood in response to certain shellfish allergens. This panel measures immune responses to clam, crab, lobster, and shrimp.

PLEASE NOTE

This test reports the presence of IgE(s) antibodies to shellfish, but the result by itself cannot confirm the diagnosis of an allergy. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. 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.

An allergic reaction to shellfish allergens can range from uncomfortable to severe. These symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours of being exposed. It is important to identify which allergens may trigger an allergic response. This panel may be helpful in identifying whether you have had or currently have an allergic reaction to shellfish allergens. If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed in the Signs & Symptoms section below, this test may be for you.

This panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood made by your immune system in response to the following shellfish allergens:

Clam
Crab
Lobster
Shrimp

IgE antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood, but larger amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens. This overreaction can cause your body to produce histamine and trigger an allergic reaction. There are some shellfish that can cause serious allergic reactions in people.

Allergies may be the cause of the following signs and symptoms, but you should discuss with your doctor to confirm. If you have any of the following, this test may be right for you:

Abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
Rash, welts, hives or eczema
History of mild allergic reaction to a particular food
Nasal congestion, wheezing or slight trouble breathing
Runny nose
Tingling, swelling, of the mouth, lips, tongue, face, throat or any other area

This test may not be right for you if you experience the following more severe symptoms. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION during your reaction. Seeing a specialist is recommend for more appropriate evaluation:

Chest tightness
Shortness of breath/constriction and tightening of the airways
A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe/swallow
A severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Feeling faint, dizziness, lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness
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. 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 a test on questhealth.com. 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.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 5 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

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Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available.

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Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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Quest's allergy panels help identify food allergies, not intolerance. Food allergies and intolerances can present similar symptoms, but knowing the difference matters. Read the article to learn more.

FAQs

How can I prevent a shellfish allergic reaction?

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.

The management of shellfish allergies is through strict elimination of shellfish. Individuals who are highly allergic may need to avoid touching or smelling shellfish, and should always ensure that they have access to self-administered epinephrine if they have anaphylaxis.

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.

Is it possible to be allergic to shrimp but not clams?

Yes, it is possible to be allergic to only one type of shellfish. Shellfish are categorized into two groups: crustaceans (such as shrimp, crab, and lobster) and mollusks/bivalves (such as clam, mussel, oyster, and scallop). Many people who are allergic to one shellfish species are also allergic to others in the same classification. For example, if you are allergic to crab, you may also be allergic to lobster. Similarly, if you are allergic to clams, you may also be allergic to mussels.

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

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 shellfish allergy are still able to eat finfish. Speak with your healthcare provider before reintroducing foods that you suspect may trigger symptoms.

Does a positive result mean that I have an allergy?

The results of this test alone should not be used to determine if you have an allergy. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose or rule out an allergy and help determine next steps.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Shellfish Allergy Panel