Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast, confidential results — Get answers within days without doctor referral
- Prevent severe reactions — Identify shrimp allergy before life-threatening episodes occur
- Clinical-grade accuracy — Uses advanced FEIA technology for reliable detection
- Convenient testing — Simple blood draw at walk-in labs nationwide
- Peace of mind — Confirm suspected allergies for safer dining choices
- Treatment guidance — Results help allergists develop proper management plans
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating shrimp or shellfish
- People with unexplained allergic reactions needing allergen identification
- Those considering allergy immunotherapy requiring specific allergen confirmation
- Adults managing multiple food sensitivities seeking comprehensive testing
- Anyone with family history of shellfish allergies wanting preventive screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
- Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
- Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects shrimp-specific IgE antibodies in your blood using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay technology.
How accurate is the Shrimp Allergy IgE test? FEIA testing shows high sensitivity and specificity, but results should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can I eat shrimp before the test? Yes, recent shrimp consumption won't affect results, though avoid antihistamines for a few days if possible.
Will this test detect other shellfish allergies? No, this test is specific to shrimp. Consider broader allergen panels for comprehensive shellfish screening.
What if my results are elevated? Elevated levels indicate sensitization but require physician interpretation to confirm clinical allergy and develop treatment plans.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting required for this blood test.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Shrimp Allergy IgE Blood Test measures immunoglobulin E antibodies specific to shrimp allergens in your blood. When you're allergic to shrimp, your immune system mistakenly identifies shrimp proteins as harmful invaders and produces IgE antibodies to fight them. This immune response triggers histamine release, causing allergic symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis (Frontiers in Allergy 2024).
Shrimp allergy affects approximately 2% of the U.S. population, making it one of the most common adult food allergies. Early identification helps prevent dangerous reactions and enables proper medical management.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing unexplained allergic reactions, especially those with symptoms occurring after seafood consumption. Healthcare providers often recommend testing for patients considering allergy immunotherapy, as specific allergen identification is crucial for treatment success.
People with family histories of shellfish allergies, those working in seafood environments, or individuals with multiple food sensitivities also benefit from definitive allergen identification. The test provides valuable diagnostic information for developing comprehensive allergy management strategies.
When should I order a Shrimp Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you experience allergic symptoms within hours of eating shrimp or other shellfish. Common reactions include tingling around the mouth, hives, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or respiratory symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms including rapid heartbeat, throat swelling, extreme dizziness, or loss of consciousness, as these may indicate anaphylaxis—a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt treatment.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Shrimp allergy unlikely
IgE 0.35–0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.71–3.50 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Probable allergy; avoid shrimp
IgE 3.51–17.5 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strong allergy likelihood
IgE > 17.5 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance recommended
Results should always be interpreted by healthcare providers alongside your clinical history and symptoms 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 fasting is required for this blood test. However, avoid antihistamines or allergy medications for several days before testing if possible, as they may interfere with result accuracy. Schedule testing when symptoms or recent exposure history are fresh for optimal clinical correlation.
Inform your healthcare provider about current medications, recent allergic reactions, or ongoing allergy treatments that might affect test interpretation.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy diagnosis – Once for confirmation
- During immunotherapy – As directed by allergist
- Changing symptoms – When clinically indicated
- Pediatric monitoring – Every 2–3 years or as advised
- Routine screening – Not typically recommended
Why early detection matters
Early shrimp allergy identification prevents potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and reduces emergency healthcare visits. Prompt diagnosis enables proactive lifestyle modifications, proper emergency preparedness with epinephrine auto-injectors, and appropriate specialist referrals for comprehensive allergy management.
Understanding your specific allergen profile helps avoid cross-reactive shellfish and hidden shrimp ingredients in processed foods, sauces, and restaurant dishes (J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2021).
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — Screens multiple common food allergens simultaneously.
Shellfish Allergy Profile — Tests crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (clam, oyster, scallop) for comprehensive screening.
American Cockroach Allergy IgE Test — Specific testing for cockroach sensitivity due to cross-reactivity with shrimp.
