Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits:
- Fast results: Get answers in 3-5 business days without waiting for doctor appointments
- Precise diagnosis: Quantifies oyster-specific IgE antibodies using advanced FEIA technology
- Informed decisions: Enables confident dietary choices and allergy management planning
- Convenient ordering: Direct access without physician referral required
- Confidential service: Private testing with secure result delivery
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating oysters or shellfish
- Individuals with suspected mollusk allergies needing confirmation
- Those with family history of shellfish allergies seeking screening
- People requiring allergy documentation for dietary restrictions
- Individuals monitoring known oyster allergies over time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and complete purchase without prescription needed
- Visit lab - Get blood drawn at any walk-in location convenient to you
- Get results - Receive detailed results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to oyster allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
How accurate is this test? Highly sensitive and specific for detecting IgE-mediated oyster allergies using FEIA technology.
Can I eat other shellfish if I'm allergic to oysters? Cross-reactivity is common among mollusks, so avoid clams, scallops, and mussels too.
Will this test detect all types of food reactions? No, it only detects IgE-mediated allergies, not food intolerances or sensitivities.
Do I need to stop taking medications before testing? Generally no medications need to be stopped unless specifically directed by your provider.
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist to confirm diagnosis and develop a comprehensive management plan.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures oyster-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to diagnose or rule out oyster allergy. Oysters belong to the mollusk family of shellfish, affecting approximately 1-3% of Americans with shellfish allergies being among the eight most common food allergies (Mayo Clinic 2024). The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to detect elevated IgE antibody levels that indicate your immune system's allergic response to oyster proteins.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of oyster or shellfish allergy, such as hives, swelling, digestive issues, or breathing difficulties after consuming oysters. It's particularly valuable for people needing to confirm allergy status for dietary guidance, those with inconclusive skin testing results, or individuals requiring documentation for medical or dietary purposes (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025).
When should I order an Oyster Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you've experienced allergic symptoms after eating oysters or related shellfish. Symptoms typically occur within minutes to two hours of consumption but can sometimes be delayed up to six hours. Common reactions include tingling around the mouth, swelling, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, congestion, or difficulty breathing. Severe reactions may cause anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical attention (Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as IgE antibody levels measured in classes from 0 to 6:
- IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L (Class 0): Negative - unlikely allergic
- IgE Level 0.10-0.34 kU/L (Class 1): Equivocal - possible sensitization
- IgE Level 0.35-0.69 kU/L (Class 2): Low positive - likely sensitized
- IgE Level 0.70-3.49 kU/L (Class 3): Moderate positive - allergic reaction likely
- IgE Level 3.50-17.49 kU/L (Class 4): High positive - strong allergic reaction likely
- IgE Level 17.50-49.99 kU/L (Class 5): Very high positive - very strong reaction likely
- IgE Level ≥ 50.00 kU/L (Class 6): Extremely high positive - severe reaction likely
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased likelihood of clinical symptoms, but results must be interpreted alongside your medical history.
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 test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. Generally, no medications need to be discontinued, but inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking. The test requires only 0.3-0.5 mL of serum collected through a simple blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy screening: Once, unless symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergy: Annually or as symptoms warrant
- After accidental exposure: Not recommended - won't change management
- Checking treatment response: Not useful for monitoring immunotherapy
Why early detection matters
Early diagnosis of oyster allergy enables prompt implementation of avoidance strategies, preventing potentially life-threatening allergic reactions and reducing emergency care utilization. Shellfish allergies can be severe, with reactions ranging from mild digestive upset to anaphylaxis. Proper identification allows for appropriate emergency preparedness, including epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions when necessary (Mayo Clinic 2024).
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.
