Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: None required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify specific fish allergy triggers to avoid dangerous reactions
- Get results fast without waiting for doctor referrals or appointments
- Quantitative IgE levels provide clear sensitization measurements
- Plan safer dietary choices with precise allergen identification
- Monitor allergy status over time with reliable FEIA technology
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating jack mackerel or scad
- People with unexplained allergic reactions seeking specific trigger identification
- Those considering fish immunotherapy who need baseline allergy confirmation
- Anyone with a family history of fish allergies wanting preventive screening
- Individuals requiring documentation of fish allergies for medical record
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any lab location for a simple blood draw
- Lab analyzes your serum using advanced FEIA technology for IgE antibodies
- Receive results within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to jack mackerel/scad fish allergens in your blood serum.
Do I need to stop eating fish before testing? No dietary restrictions needed. Continue normal eating habits before your test.
Can this test detect other fish allergies? This test is specific to jack mackerel/scad. Consider a comprehensive fish panel for broader screening.
What if I've had immunotherapy for fish allergies? IgE testing isn't reliable after immunotherapy treatment to assess residual clinical sensitivity.
How accurate are the results? FEIA technology demonstrates over 80% sensitivity and specificity for confirming fish allergies (AAAAI 2023).
Will my results be confidential? Yes, all results are completely confidential.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This specialized blood test quantifies allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies related to jack mackerel or scad fish. Using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, it provides quantitative results that help detect and confirm allergic sensitization to these specific fish allergens (Mayo Clinic Labs 2025). The test must be interpreted alongside clinical history for accurate food allergy diagnosis.
Who would benefit from this test?
Health-conscious individuals suspecting fish allergies benefit most from direct-access testing. This includes people experiencing allergic reactions after consuming jack mackerel or scad, those seeking confirmation before immunotherapy, and individuals wanting to identify specific allergen triggers. The test is particularly valuable for confirming the cause of symptoms like hives, swelling, or respiratory issues following fish consumption.
When should I order Jack Mackerel/Scad Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms suggestive of fish allergy such as tingling around the mouth, swelling, abdominal discomfort, hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis after eating jack mackerel or scad. Most allergic reactions occur within two hours of ingestion, though some may be delayed. Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions like anaphylaxis with symptoms including rapid heart rate, throat swelling, or loss of consciousness.
How do I interpret the results?
< 0.10 kU/L
- Class: 0 (Negative)
- Meaning: No sensitization detected
0.10–0.34 kU/L
- Class: 1 (Low)
- Meaning: Minimal sensitization
0.70–3.49 kU/L
- Class: 2 (Moderate)
- Meaning: Likely sensitization
3.50–17.4 kU/L
- Class: 3 (High)
- Meaning: Strong sensitization
17.5–49.9 kU/L
- Class: 4 (Very High)
- Meaning: Very strong sensitization
≥ 50.0 kU/L
- Class: 5–6 (Extremely High)
- Meaning: Extremely strong sensitization
Results ≥0.70 kU/L (class 2+) suggest clinical allergy, with higher levels indicating greater likelihood of allergic reactions (Mayo Clinic Labs 2025).
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 or special preparation required. Continue taking medications as prescribed unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. The test requires a simple blood draw via venipuncture into serum gel or red-top tubes.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy assessment: Once, then as symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 1–2 years or as advised by a doctor
- Post-immunotherapy: Not recommended for assessment
- Symptom pattern changes: As needed with new exposures
Why early detection matters
Fish allergies affect about 0.4% of the U.S. population but cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis (FARE 2021). Early identification enables allergen avoidance, reduces emergency visits, and prevents potentially life-threatening reactions. Specific IgE testing provides objective evidence supporting clinical diagnosis and management decisions, potentially lowering healthcare costs related to food allergy management.
Related tests you may consider
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.
Seafood Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to various common seafood.
