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
The Salmon Allergy IgE Blood Test measures the level of salmon-specific IgE antibodies in your blood sample. IgE antibodies are part of the immune response involved in allergic reactions, and this test looks for them in relation to salmon only.
This is a single-allergen test. It does not measure IgE to other fish, seafood, or foods. A result reflects IgE to salmon and does not, on its own, confirm a clinical food allergy.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibodies specific to salmon
- Uses a simple blood sample
- No special preparation required
- Results available online in 3-5 business days
- Provides information to review with your healthcare provider
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have had symptoms after eating salmon
- Adults or children who have had a suspected reaction to seafood
- People who have experienced tingling around the mouth, swelling, or hives after a meal
- People who have had digestive symptoms or breathing difficulty after eating
- People whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate a possible salmon allergy
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what can it help evaluate?
The test measures IgE antibodies to salmon in your blood. Your healthcare provider may use the result, along with your history and symptoms, to help evaluate whether salmon may be linked to an allergic reaction. It does not test other fish or foods, and it does not predict how severe a reaction might be.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
If you have had a reaction after eating salmon, this test may be worth considering. Symptoms can include tingling around the mouth, swelling, itching or hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, wheezing, or lightheadedness. Most food-related symptoms begin within minutes to two hours, though some reactions may be delayed by four to six hours or longer. Signs of anaphylaxis, such as a swollen throat or trouble breathing, need immediate medical attention.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are expected in 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
A salmon IgE result shows whether IgE antibodies to salmon were detected. It cannot confirm a clinical food allergy, predict reaction severity, or show whether salmon is safe to eat. Your healthcare provider can interpret it alongside your symptoms and history. If your result is outside the reference range, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can advise on any further evaluation.
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 may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins in different foods or substances. This test measures only salmon-specific IgE and does not test for any of the items listed below. These examples are not exhaustive and represent possible considerations, not confirmed allergies. Cross-reactivity does not mean you will react to another item. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, it may be worth discussing evaluation for related allergens.
- Other finned fish (such as cod, tuna, mackerel, or halibut): Many fish share a protein called parvalbumin, and some people allergic to one fish may also react to others. Reactions vary between individuals.
- Fish roe (eggs): Fish roe contains proteins that differ from those in fish flesh, so some people may react to one and not the other.
- Shellfish (such as shrimp, crab, or lobster): Shellfish contain different major allergens than finned fish, so a fish allergy does not usually mean a shellfish allergy, though some people are allergic to both.
