Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum from standard blood draw
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify lobster sensitivity with precise IgE antibody measurement
- Avoid severe reactions including life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Get fast results within 3-5 business days for timely dietary decisions
- No doctor referral needed for convenient direct-access testing
- Confidential screening with secure online result delivery
- Support allergy management with quantified sensitization levels
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating lobster
- People with suspected shellfish allergies needing specific identification
- Those with family history of seafood allergies
- Individuals planning immunotherapy who need allergen confirmation
- People wanting proactive screening before dietary changes
- Anyone needing documentation for medical or dietary management
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any nationwide lab location for blood draw
- Laboratory analysis using advanced Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
- Receive secure results within 3-5 business days with interpretation guidelines
FAQ
What does this test measure? Lobster-specific IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate allergic sensitization.
Can I eat lobster if my test is negative? Negative results suggest no sensitization, but always consult healthcare providers for dietary decisions.
Does this test detect other shellfish allergies? No, this is lobster-specific. Consider a comprehensive shellfish panel for broader screening.
How accurate is this blood test? IgE blood tests for shellfish allergies typically exceed 70-80% accuracy when interpreted with symptoms.
What if I get a positive result? Avoid lobster and consult an allergist for management strategies, including possible emergency medications.
Should I stop taking antihistamines before testing? Generally unnecessary, but check with your healthcare provider if you take regular allergy medications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Lobster Allergy IgE Blood Test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to lobster proteins in your bloodstream. These antibodies indicate whether your immune system recognizes lobster as a threat and may trigger allergic reactions. The test uses highly sensitive Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify IgE levels, helping diagnose lobster allergy and guide treatment decisions (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2024).
Lobster belongs to the crustacean shellfish group, which commonly causes severe allergic reactions. Since shellfish allergies affect approximately 2% of the U.S. population and rank among the most common food allergens, accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team 2009).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals who have experienced allergic symptoms after consuming lobster, including tingling around the mouth, swelling, hives, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory difficulties. People with suspected shellfish intolerance or those planning to consume lobster for the first time should consider testing. Additionally, patients requiring allergen identification before starting immunotherapy treatments would benefit from this specific screening.
Individuals with family history of seafood allergies or those who have experienced cross-reactive symptoms with other shellfish should also consider testing. The test is particularly valuable for people needing documentation for medical records, dietary management plans, or workplace accommodations related to food allergies.
When should I order a Lobster Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced allergic symptoms within minutes to hours after eating lobster, including skin reactions like hives or itching, digestive symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, or respiratory symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing. Most food allergy symptoms occur within two hours of ingestion, though delayed reactions can occur up to six hours later in rare cases.
Consider testing if you're planning to consume lobster and have a history of shellfish sensitivities, or if you need allergen confirmation before medical treatments. The test is also recommended for individuals who experience symptoms from seafood cooking vapors or cross-contamination, as some people have sensitivities severe enough to react to airborne particles (MedlinePlus 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L:
- Negative - No sensitization detected
- Lobster consumption likely safe
IgE Level 0.10-0.34 kU/L:
- Borderline - Minimal sensitization
- Monitor for symptoms, consider retesting
IgE Level 0.35-0.69 kU/L:
- Low positive - Mild sensitization
- Cautious consumption, prepare for reactions
IgE Level ≥ 0.70 kU/L:
- Positive - Significant sensitization
- Avoid lobster, consult allergist
Results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and medical history, as some people with positive tests may not experience symptoms, while others with negative tests may still have allergies.
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. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. While antihistamines rarely affect IgE levels, inform your provider about any allergy medications you're taking. The blood draw requires no special preparation beyond staying hydrated and wearing clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
Avoid consuming lobster for at least 24 hours before testing if you're experiencing active allergic symptoms, as recent exposure shouldn't affect IgE antibody levels but may influence your comfort during the blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time test unless symptoms change
- Childhood allergies: Every 2-3 years to monitor potential outgrowth
- Immunotherapy monitoring: As directed by allergist (typically annually)
- Changing symptoms: Retest when symptoms worsen or improve
Why early detection matters
Early detection of lobster allergy prevents potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, which can occur without warning and require immediate emergency treatment. Identifying the specific allergen enables you to make informed dietary choices and take appropriate precautions when dining out or shopping for food products.
Timely diagnosis also reduces healthcare costs associated with emergency treatments and repeated allergen exposure. With proper identification and avoidance strategies, you can maintain quality of life while preventing severe allergic reactions (Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management 2022).
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile Shellfish Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to various common shellfish.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
