Shellfish Allergy Panel

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

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of sample to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture - a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

About the Test

The Shellfish Allergy Panel measures your immune responses to allergens, which may indicate a shellfish allergy. Our Shellfish Allergy Panel measures the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies produced by your immune system in response to shellfish allergens. IgE antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood, but higher amounts may cause signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. This test detects the presence of high IgE levels in the blood for clam, crab, lobster, and shrimp.

PLEASE NOTE

This test reports the presence of IgE(s) antibodies to 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
Tingling or itching in the mouth

The Shellfish Allergy Test Panel measures the level of specific IgE antibodies produced by the immune system which may activate an allergic reaction to clam, crab, lobster, or shrimp.

IgE antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to detect and eliminate infections, toxins, bacteria, and viruses. Antibodies are normally present in small amounts in your blood; however, an abnormally high level of specific IgE antibodies produced against clam, crab, lobster, or shrimp allergens indicates a shellfish allergy.

When someone with a shellfish allergy eats or encounters products containing a particular protein found in that shellfish, the immune system perceives them as harmful invaders, which may trigger an allergic response. During an allergic reaction, certain white blood cells (called mast cells) are stimulated to release histamine, which increases blood flow to the part of the body affected by the allergen, causing inflammation and associated allergic symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of shellfish allergy may include:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Dizziness
Tightness in the throat
Swelling that may affect the tongue, lips, or both
Itchiness of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other area
Hives (urticaria) characterized by the sudden appearance of pale reddish bumps or welts on the skin that may be accompanied by swelling
Shortness of breath
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.

The Shellfish Allergy Panel is for anyone who wants to know if they may have IgE antibodies to clam, crab, lobster, or shrimp. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.

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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Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

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View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

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 doctor, family, or friends.

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.

Shellfish Allergy Panel

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