Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum (0.3-0.5 mL)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Detect codfish-specific IgE antibodies to confirm or rule out allergy
- Skip specialist referrals with direct-access testing
- Make informed dietary choices based on quantitative antibody levels
- Prevent severe reactions through early identification and avoidance
- Combine with panels for comprehensive food allergy screening
- Get confidential results within days via secure online portal
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating codfish or fish products
- Individuals with unexplained reactions like hives, swelling, or breathing difficulty
- Those with family history of fish or seafood allergies
- Anyone suspecting fish allergy but lacking definitive diagnosis
- Patients considering immunotherapy who need baseline sensitization data
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any Walk-In Lab location for blood draw
- Lab analyzes your serum using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA)
- Receive results within 3-5 business days via secure portal
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to codfish proteins, particularly parvalbumin, the major allergen.
Can I eat other fish if I'm allergic to codfish? Cross-reactivity is possible with other fish species; discuss results with an allergist.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before testing? No, blood IgE tests aren't affected by antihistamines like skin tests are.
Will this detect all seafood allergies? No, this test is specific to codfish; shellfish and other fish require separate testing.
How accurate is this blood test? Sensitivity is typically above 75% with high specificity when combined with clinical history (PMC 2020).
What if my results are borderline? Uncertain results require correlation with symptoms and may need allergist consultation.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test detects and quantifies IgE antibodies specific to codfish (Gadus morhua), helping diagnose codfish allergy. The test uses advanced fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology to measure your immune system's reaction to codfish proteins. Fish allergy affects approximately 0.4-0.5% of U.S. adults, with codfish being a common trigger (Mayo Clinic 2024). Unlike skin tests, blood testing provides quantitative results unaffected by medications or skin conditions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after codfish exposure should consider testing. This includes reactions like skin rashes, gastrointestinal upset, respiratory symptoms, or anaphylaxis. The test is particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers seeking direct-access testing without specialist referrals. It's also useful for monitoring sensitization before immunotherapy or for individuals with suspected cross-reactivity to other fish species.
When should I order a Codfish Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test after experiencing allergic symptoms following codfish consumption or exposure. Most food allergic reactions occur within two hours of ingestion, though some may be delayed. Symptoms range from mild (tingling mouth, hives) to severe (difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis). Early testing enables proper diagnosis and management before severe reactions occur (NIAID Guidelines 2020).
How do I interpret the results?
Results show specific IgE concentration in kU/L units. Your physician will correlate these levels with your clinical history for accurate interpretation.
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- Negative - No sensitization detected
- Codfish likely safe to consume
IgE Level 0.10 - 0.34 kU/L
- Uncertain clinical relevance
- Consider allergist consultation
IgE Level > 0.35 kU/L
- Positive - Sensitization confirmed
- Avoid codfish; consider epinephrine
IgE Level > 3.5 kU/L
- Strong positive
- Strict avoidance; allergist referral
IgE levels don't always predict reaction severity—clinical history remains crucial for management decisions.
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. Inform your healthcare provider about medications, though antihistamines don't affect blood IgE results unlike skin testing. The test requires a simple blood draw via venipuncture, with serum separated and analyzed using validated immunoassay methods.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your clinical situation and treatment plans.
- Initial diagnosis: Once for baseline
- Monitoring immunotherapy: Every 6-12 months
- Suspected tolerance development: Every 1-2 years
- Persistent symptoms despite avoidance: As clinically indicate
Why early detection matters
Early diagnosis of codfish allergy prevents potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and reduces emergency healthcare costs. Fish allergies can cause severe reactions even with small exposures, and parvalbumin (the major allergen) remains allergenic even after cooking. Identifying your specific sensitivities enables proper avoidance strategies and emergency preparedness with medications like epinephrine auto-injectors.
Related tests you may consider
Seafood Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to various common seafood.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE- Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Allergen Profile Shellfish Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to various common shellfish.
