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, accurate results – Get definitive salmon allergy diagnosis in 3-5 business days
- No painful skin pricks – Simple blood draw replaces uncomfortable skin testing
- Convenient home collection – Optional at-home sample collection available
- Confidential online results – Secure access to your results anytime
- No doctor visit required – Direct access testing without physician referral
- Prevent severe reactions – Early detection helps avoid life-threatening anaphylaxis
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing allergic symptoms after eating salmon or seafood
- Parents of children with suspected fish allergies
- Individuals with unexplained reactions like hives, swelling, or digestive issues
- People with family history of food allergies
- Those avoiding salmon but wanting confirmation of allergy status
- Individuals planning dietary changes involving increased fish consumption
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No prescription needed, choose convenient lab location or home collection
- Provide blood sample - Quick, simple blood draw at lab or home visit
- Get results - Secure online access to results within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to salmon proteins that indicate allergic sensitization.
How accurate is the salmon allergy test? High specificity with strong correlation to clinical salmon allergies when combined with symptoms.
Will this test detect other fish allergies? No, this test is specific to salmon. Consider a fish allergy panel for broader screening.
Can I eat salmon before the test? Yes, recent salmon consumption won't affect IgE antibody levels in your blood.
What if I get a positive result? Avoid salmon and consult with an allergist for comprehensive allergy management planning.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines? Not necessary - antihistamines don't significantly affect blood IgE levels for this test.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures salmon-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to detect allergic sensitization to salmon proteins. When you have a salmon allergy, your immune system produces IgE antibodies that trigger histamine release, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive issues, or potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming salmon should consider this test. It's particularly valuable for individuals with unexplained reactions, those with family history of food allergies, or people wanting to confirm suspected salmon sensitivity before making dietary decisions (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023).
When should I order a Salmon Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced allergic reactions within minutes to hours of eating salmon, including tingling around the mouth, hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing difficulties. Also consider testing before introducing salmon into your diet if you have other food allergies.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.35 kUA/L
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Salmon likely safe to consume
IgE 0.35–0.69 kUA/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Discuss with doctor, possible tolerance
IgE 0.70–3.49 kUA/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid salmon, carry emergency medication
IgE 3.50–17.49 kUA/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, allergy management plan
IgE ≥ 17.50 kUA/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, emergency preparedness
Note: Results must be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms and history for accurate diagnosis.
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 needed for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid salmon beforehand. Continue taking regular medications as IgE levels remain stable regardless of recent food intake or antihistamine use.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once for baseline
- Monitoring treatment: Every 6–12 months
- Childhood allergies: Every 1–2 years (may outgrow)
- Post-reaction assessment: 3–6 months after severe reaction
Why early detection matters
Salmon allergy affects approximately 0.2-0.5% of the U.S. population and can cause severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reactions (CDC 2023). Early detection prevents dangerous exposure and enables proper emergency preparedness. Due to cross-reactivity with parvalbumin protein, salmon allergy often indicates sensitivity to other finned fish, making comprehensive allergen avoidance crucial for safety.
Related tests you may consider
Catfish IgE Allergy Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to catfish
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
200 Food Sensitivity Panel- ALCAT Test Kit- Checks for 200 food intolerances and other factors that can activate the immune system. It measures changes in size and volume of white blood cells in response to challenges with foods. This is a sensitivity test, not an allergy test.
Omega-3 Index Complete Blood Spot - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Measures the levels of 24 fatty acids in your blood, including omega-3 and omega-6, to help you understand your heart, brain, and overall health, and guide any needed dietary changes or supplements.
