Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis — Quantitative IgE measurement identifies catfish allergy severity
- Convenient testing — Order online without physician referral or appointment
- Fast results — Get answers within 1-5 days from certified labs
- Prevent severe reactions — Early detection helps avoid life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Peace of mind — Confidential testing with secure, private results
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating or touching catfish
- Individuals with unexplained hives, swelling, or breathing difficulties
- Those with family history of fish allergies seeking screening
- Anyone wanting to confirm suspected catfish sensitivity
- People managing existing food allergies who need comprehensive testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
- Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
- Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures specific IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to catfish proteins.
Can I react to catfish without eating it? Yes, some people experience allergic reactions from touching catfish or inhaling proteins during cooking.
How accurate is this test? IgE-mediated fish allergy tests have high specificity and sensitivity for accurate allergen identification (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Do I need to stop taking medications? Antihistamines may affect results. Consult your provider about temporarily stopping these medications before testing.
What if my results are positive? Discuss results with a healthcare provider for allergy management strategies and possible emergency medication prescriptions.
Is catfish allergy common? Fish allergies affect approximately 0.4% of U.S. adults, with catfish being a frequent allergen (CDC 2023).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and measures IgE antibodies specific to catfish proteins in your blood. When you have a catfish allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies catfish proteins as harmful and produces IgE antibodies. These antibodies trigger allergic symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis. The test uses Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to provide quantitative results that help determine both the presence and severity of your catfish allergy (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after catfish exposure, including tingling around the mouth, hives, swelling, digestive issues, or respiratory problems. It's particularly valuable for people with suspected fish allergies who want diagnostic clarity without waiting for physician referrals. Those with family history of food allergies or existing allergic conditions may also benefit from screening. Additionally, individuals who work in food service or fishing industries with regular catfish exposure should consider testing for occupational health management.
When should I order a Catfish IgE Allergy Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience symptoms like hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or swallowing after eating or touching catfish. Most allergic reactions occur within two hours of exposure, though some may be delayed by four to six hours. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of anaphylaxis including rapid heart rate, swollen throat, low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness. Consider testing before introducing catfish into your diet or if you're planning activities involving catfish exposure.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show your catfish-specific IgE levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Higher levels indicate stronger allergic sensitization and increased risk of severe reactions.
IgE < 0.35 kU/L (Class 0)
- What it means: Negative – No allergy detected
- Typical action: Catfish likely safe to consume
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L (Class 1)
- What it means: Low positive – Mild sensitivity
- Typical action: Caution advised, discuss with provider
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L (Class 2)
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Avoid catfish, carry antihistamines
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L (Class 3)
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, consider epinephrine
IgE 17.50–49.99 kU/L (Class 4)
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, emergency plan needed
IgE 50.0–99.99 kU/L (Class 5)
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe allergy, immediate medical consultation
IgE ≥ 100.0 kU/L (Class 6)
- What it means: Extremely high positive
- Typical action: Life-threatening risk, comprehensive management
Higher IgE levels correlate with increased risk of severe allergic reactions, but individual responses may vary (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2024).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this blood test. However, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, particularly antihistamines (like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec), which may affect test accuracy. Your provider may recommend temporarily stopping these medications 3-7 days before testing. Continue taking all other medications as prescribed unless specifically instructed otherwise. Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing with easily accessible sleeves for the blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific circumstances and allergy management needs.
- Initial screening with symptoms – Once, then as needed
- Confirmed allergy monitoring – Every 1–2 years
- Following immunotherapy – Every 6–12 months
- Childhood allergies (may outgrow) – Every 2–3 years
- Occupational exposure changes – As circumstances change
Why early detection matters
Early catfish allergy detection significantly reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care. Fish allergies tend to persist throughout life, unlike some childhood food allergies that may be outgrown. With catfish being increasingly farmed and consumed globally, accurate diagnosis becomes crucial for safe dietary choices (PubMed 2021). Early detection enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness, and informed decision-making about food choices and activities.
Related tests you may consider
Codfish Allergy IgE Test — Specific testing for codfish sensitivity due to cross-reactivity with catfish.
Total IgE Test — Measures overall IgE levels to assess general allergic predisposition and identify potential multiple allergies.
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — Tests for common food allergens like shellfish, nuts, and dairy to identify co-existing food sensitivities requiring dietary management.
