Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of allergen-specific IgE antibody in your blood directed against jack mackerel/scad (F60). Jack mackerel and scad refer to various fish species within the Carangidae family. The test evaluates only this single biomarker and does not measure IgE to any other fish, seafood, or food allergen. A detectable IgE antibody level indicates that your immune system has developed sensitization to jack mackerel/scad protein, which is one piece of information a healthcare provider may use, together with your history and symptoms, when evaluating a possible food allergy. This result alone does not confirm a clinical allergy, predict how severe a reaction might be, or establish whether jack mackerel/scad is safe for you to eat.
Benefits
- Checks for IgE sensitization to jack mackerel/scad specifically
- Requires only a standard blood draw, no fasting needed
- Provides objective lab data to discuss with your provider
- Convenient online ordering with local lab visit
- Results delivered online within days
Who Is This Test For?
- Anyone who has noticed symptoms after eating jack mackerel or scad
- Individuals working with a healthcare provider to investigate a possible seafood allergy
- People wanting an IgE sensitization check for this specific fish before further evaluation
- Those who want lab data on jack mackerel/scad to bring to a provider visit
- Individuals with a known seafood allergy history who are asking about jack mackerel/scad specifically
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from a general seafood allergy test?
This test measures IgE antibody levels specific to jack mackerel/scad only, not IgE to other fish, shellfish, or seafood. Because it targets one specific fish, it does not provide information about sensitization to other seafood you may also want evaluated.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
People who have experienced a reaction after eating jack mackerel or scad, or who are working with a healthcare provider to investigate a suspected seafood allergy, may consider this test. It can be a useful starting point when jack mackerel/scad specifically is the fish in question.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can have the blood draw performed without fasting or adjusting your diet beforehand.
4. How long will it take to get my results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 days, though this may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or lab delays. You'll be able to access your results online once they're ready.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what should I do if they're abnormal?
Interpreting your result depends on the antibody level detected, your symptom history, and other clinical information, which is why review with a qualified healthcare provider is important. A detectable IgE level reflects sensitization to jack mackerel/scad, not a confirmed clinical allergy, and it does not indicate how severe a future reaction could be. Likewise, a negative result does not guarantee that jack mackerel/scad can be eaten without risk. If your results fall outside the expected range, discuss next steps, including whether further evaluation is appropriate, with your healthcare provider.
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 special preparation is required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins found across different foods. This test measures only jack mackerel/scad IgE and does not test for the additional allergens described below. The examples here are not exhaustive, and they represent possible additional considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Having a cross-reactive relationship does not mean you will necessarily react to another listed allergen. Depending on your history, symptoms, or prior reactions, discussing related allergen testing with your healthcare provider may be worthwhile.
Other fish species (such as cod, salmon, tuna, and herring): many fish share a muscle protein called parvalbumin, and cross-reactivity among fish species has been reported, though the degree can vary considerably from one species pair to another.
