Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis - Detects specific IgE antibodies to sole fish proteins with high sensitivity
- Convenient testing - Simple blood draw at thousands of locations nationwide or at home
- Avoids skin reactions - No painful skin prick testing required for allergy confirmation
- Fast results - Receive results in 1–5 business days to guide dietary decisions
- Emergency prevention - Identify severe allergy risk before life-threatening reactions occur
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating sole fish
- People with unexplained allergic reactions who need specific allergen identification
- Those with a family history of fish allergies seeking preventive screening
- Patients requiring allergen confirmation before immunotherapy
- Anyone with existing seafood allergies checking for cross-reactivity risks
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a lab - Get a simple blood draw at any convenient location near you
- Get results - Receive confidential results in 4-6 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate an allergic reaction to sole fish proteins.
How accurate is this blood test compared to skin testing? Highly accurate with excellent sensitivity and specificity, serving as a reliable alternative to skin prick tests.
Can I eat other fish if I'm allergic to sole? Fish allergies often cross-react due to parvalbumin protein, so you may need to avoid all finned fish.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before testing? No special preparation needed, though some providers recommend avoiding antihistamines that might affect results.
What if my results are positive? Avoid sole fish completely, carry emergency epinephrine if prescribed, and consult an allergist for comprehensive management.
How soon will I get my results? Most laboratories provide results within 4-6 business days of sample processing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Sole Allergy IgE Blood Test detects specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that your immune system produces when exposed to sole fish proteins. When you have a sole allergy, your body mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful invaders and creates IgE antibodies to fight them. This test confirms whether you have developed this specific antibody response, helping establish a definitive diagnosis of sole fish allergy (Nemours KidsHealth 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals who have experienced allergic symptoms after consuming sole fish, those with unexplained allergic reactions requiring specific allergen identification, and people with family histories of fish allergies. It's particularly valuable for patients considering immunotherapy treatment who need precise allergen confirmation. Additionally, individuals with existing seafood allergies can use this test to assess cross-reactivity risks with sole fish (Thermo Fisher Scientific 2025).
When should I order a Sole Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience allergic symptoms within minutes to hours after eating sole fish. Symptoms may include tingling around the mouth, hives, swelling, digestive issues, respiratory problems, or severe reactions like anaphylaxis. The test is also recommended when healthcare providers suspect sole allergy based on your symptom history or when you need specific allergen identification for treatment planning.
How do I interpret the results?
Class 0 (< 0.35 kU/L)
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Continue normal diet unless symptoms persist
Class 1–2 (0.35–3.5 kU/L)
- What it means: Low to moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Consider avoiding sole; monitor symptoms
Class 3–4 (3.5–17.5 kU/L)
- What it means: Moderate to high sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid sole fish; consult an allergist
Class 5–6 (> 17.5 kU/L)
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance; carry epinephrine
Results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and medical 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 fasting or special dietary restrictions are required before this blood test. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Some medical professionals recommend avoiding antihistamines prior to testing, as they may potentially affect results, though this primarily applies to skin testing rather than blood tests.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis
- One-time test typically sufficient
Monitoring during immunotherapy
- Every 6–12 months as directed
Suspected allergy changes
- Retest as symptoms warrant
Pediatric follow‑up
- Every 1–2 years until stable
Why early detection matters
Early detection of sole fish allergy prevents potentially life-threatening reactions and reduces healthcare costs associated with emergency treatments. With over 50 million Americans suffering from allergies and approximately 1.6% to 5.1% of adults experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions, timely identification enables proactive management. Specific IgE testing improves diagnostic accuracy and prevents unnecessary food restrictions while ensuring appropriate avoidance of dangerous allergens.
Related tests you may consider
Salmon Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect a food allergy to salmon.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Allergen Profile Shellfish Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to various common shellfish.
