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's Included
This test measures the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies your immune system has produced in response to scallop. Scallops are mollusks in the Bivalve family, and this test evaluates your body's IgE response specifically to scallop protein.
The biomarker measured is F338-IgE Scallop, an allergen-specific IgE result. This test looks at allergen-specific IgE, which is distinct from other antibody classes such as IgG, and reflects immune sensitization rather than a confirmed clinical allergy on its own.
The required specimen is a blood sample, collected at a local lab. This test evaluates scallop alone and does not include results for any other shellfish, mollusk, or food allergen.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibody response specifically to scallop
- Uses a standard blood draw with no special preparation
- Provides objective, lab-based antibody information
- Offers results that can support a conversation with your provider
- Focuses specifically on a single, well-defined allergen
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who have experienced symptoms after eating scallops or other seafood
- Individuals wanting more information about a possible scallop sensitivity
- Individuals who want lab-based information to discuss with a healthcare provider
- Individuals with a known shellfish allergy who want scallop-specific information
- Individuals advised by a healthcare provider to check IgE levels for scallop
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from other food allergy tests?
This test measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies to scallop only, using the F338-IgE Scallop biomarker. Unlike a broader panel, it does not evaluate other shellfish, mollusks, or unrelated food allergens, so it's best suited when scallop specifically is the concern rather than seafood allergies in general.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
People who have noticed symptoms after eating scallops or other seafood, or who want more information about a possible scallop sensitivity, may find this test relevant. It can also be useful for those with a known shellfish allergy who specifically want information about scallops.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can proceed with your blood draw without fasting or adjusting your normal routine beforehand.
4. How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 business days, though this may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or lab-specific delays. You'll be able to access your results online once they're ready.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
Interpreting an IgE result depends on the specific level detected, your personal and family history, any symptoms you've experienced, and other clinical context, so a lab value on its own does not confirm or rule out a scallop allergy. If your result falls outside the expected range, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help place it in context and determine whether any further evaluation is appropriate.
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 for this test.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins across different allergen sources, sometimes leading to a positive test result for a substance a person has never reacted to directly. This test measures only scallop IgE and does not test for any of the additional foods or substances discussed below. The examples here are not exhaustive, and they're meant to offer general educational context, not to suggest that you're allergic to anything beyond scallop or that further testing is required. Depending on your symptoms, history, and healthcare provider's guidance, related allergen testing may sometimes be worth discussing.
- Other mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels, squid, octopus): Scallops share a muscle protein called tropomyosin with other mollusks, and cross-reactivity has been reported within this group, particularly among bivalves.
- Crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster):Some people sensitized to mollusks also react to crustaceans, though the shared tropomyosin sequence between these two groups is less similar, so this cross-reactivity appears to be less consistent.
- House dust mite and cockroach: These contain tropomyosin as well, and cross-reactivity with shellfish tropomyosin has been documented, though it can reflect harmless sensitization rather than a food-triggered reaction.
Cross-reactivity in this group doesn't necessarily mean a clinical reaction will occur, and a positive result to a related allergen doesn't confirm true allergy on its own. If reactions to other shellfish or related allergens are a concern, additional evaluation may be considered based on your history and your healthcare provider's guidance.
