Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No special preparation required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast, accurate detection of scallop-specific IgE antibodies using advanced FEIA technology
- Convenient ordering with no doctor referral needed and online results access
- Prevent serious reactions by identifying allergies before life-threatening anaphylaxis occurs
- Peace of mind through reliable testing that helps you avoid dangerous exposures
- Proactive health management supporting informed dietary choices and emergency preparedness
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating or handling scallops
- People with suspected shellfish allergies requiring medical confirmation
- Those with family history of food allergies seeking preventive screening
- Anyone who has had unclear allergic reactions to seafood products
- Individuals planning to introduce scallops or shellfish into their diet safely
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, choose your preferred lab location
- Quick blood draw - Visit any participating lab for a simple venipuncture sample
- Get results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures scallop-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to detect allergic sensitization.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or special preparation is required for this blood test.
Can I be allergic to other shellfish if I'm allergic to scallops? Yes, cross-reactivity is common between mollusks (scallops, clams, oysters) and crustaceans (shrimp, crab).
How accurate is this test? IgE blood tests demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity when combined with clinical symptoms (PubMed Central 2020).
What should I do if my results are positive? Consult with a healthcare provider or allergist to develop an avoidance plan and emergency action plan..
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Scallop Allergy IgE Blood Test measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to scallop allergens in your blood. When you have a scallop allergy, your immune system produces these antibodies as a defense mechanism. The test quantifies these antibodies using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to confirm allergic sensitization and assess potential reaction severity (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025).
This diagnostic tool is essential for distinguishing true allergic reactions from food intolerance or other conditions, providing objective medical evidence to guide treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals who have experienced allergic symptoms after scallop exposure, including hives, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory difficulties. People with family history of food allergies, those with other known shellfish sensitivities, or individuals planning to introduce scallops into their diet would benefit from testing.
Healthcare providers often recommend this test when clinical symptoms suggest shellfish allergy but confirmation is needed for proper diagnosis and management planning (ACAAI 2023).
When should I order the Scallop Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience symptoms within minutes to hours after scallop consumption or contact. Common symptoms include tingling around the mouth, hives, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, or difficulty breathing.
Seek immediate testing if you've had severe reactions like rapid heartbeat, throat swelling, extreme dizziness, or loss of consciousness, as these may indicate anaphylaxis risk. The test is also appropriate for clarifying unclear reactions to mixed seafood dishes (Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.35 kUA/L:
- No sensitization detected
- Scallops likely safe to consume
IgE Level 0.35 - 0.70 kUA/L:
- Low sensitization
- Caution advised, monitor symptoms
IgE Level 0.70 - 3.50 kUA/L:
- Moderate sensitization
- Avoid scallops, consult allergist
IgE Level 3.50 - 17.5 kUA/L:
- High sensitization
- Strict avoidance, carry epinephrine
IgE Level > 17.5 kUA/L:
- Very high sensitization
- Complete avoidance, emergency plan required
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased reaction severity, but individual responses can vary significantly.
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, fasting, or dietary restrictions are required for this blood test. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Inform the lab staff about any current antihistamines or allergy medications, though these typically don't affect IgE blood test results.
Wear comfortable clothing with easy sleeve access for the blood draw, and stay hydrated before your appointment for easier sample collection.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once for baseline confirmation
- Monitoring treatment: Every 1-2 years or as directed
- Childhood allergies: Every 2-3 years to assess outgrowth
- After severe reactions: As recommended by allergist
- Before reintroduction: Before supervised food challenges
Why early detection matters
Early detection of scallop allergy prevents potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and reduces emergency room visits. Approximately 1-3% of Americans have seafood allergies, with shellfish ranking among the eight most common food allergens (Walk-In Lab 2024).
Identifying allergies before severe reactions occur allows for proper emergency preparedness, including epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions and comprehensive avoidance strategies. This proactive approach significantly improves quality of life and reduces healthcare costs associated with allergic emergencies (FAACT 2024).
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.
Mussel Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect a food allergy to mussels.
