Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: None required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Quick confirmation of Pacific squid allergy without doctor referral
- High accuracy using ImmunoCAP FEIA technology with >90% specificity
- Prevent severe reactions by identifying allergens before anaphylaxis occurs
- Actionable insights for allergy management and treatment planning
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating Pacific squid
- Individuals with unexplained allergic reactions needing specific allergen identification
- Those with atopic dermatitis considering comprehensive allergy screening
- Anyone seeking to confirm suspected seafood allergies proactively
- Patients preparing for targeted immunotherapy treatment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor visit required for most locations
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at your chosen location
- Get results - Secure online results within 2-5 business days
FAQ
How accurate is this test? The ImmunoCAP FEIA method has over 90% sensitivity and specificity for food allergen detection.
Can this test predict anaphylaxis severity? It identifies allergens that may cause anaphylaxis but cannot predict reaction severity—clinical correlation is essential.
Do I need to stop medications before testing? No medication adjustments or fasting required before your blood draw.
What if my results show no allergy but I still have symptoms? Consider testing for cross-reactive allergens like other shellfish or house dust mites.
How soon after exposure can I get tested? IgE antibodies remain detectable long-term, so timing after recent exposure doesn't affect results.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to Pacific squid allergens in your blood serum. When you're allergic to Pacific squid, your immune system produces these IgE antibodies, which trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming or being exposed to Pacific squid should consider this test. It's particularly valuable for individuals with unclear allergy symptoms needing specific allergen identification, those with atopic dermatitis exploring comprehensive allergy screening, and patients considering targeted immunotherapy.
When should I order Squid (Pacific) Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing allergy symptoms like hives, wheezing, swelling, congestion, or anaphylaxis after squid exposure. Common symptoms include itching, red or watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or digestive issues. Severe reactions requiring immediate medical attention include rapid pulse, throat swelling, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: No allergy detected
- Typical action: Normal diet, monitor symptoms
IgE Level 0.35 – 0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitivity
- Typical action: Consult allergist, consider avoidance
IgE Level 0.71 – 3.50 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitivity
- Typical action: Avoid allergen, carry antihistamines
IgE Level 3.51 – 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitivity
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, consider epinephrine
IgE Level > 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitivity
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, carry epinephrine
Elevated squid-specific IgE indicates sensitization, but clinical history must accompany interpretation 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 required—no fasting or medication discontinuation needed. Simply schedule your appointment and arrive for a standard blood draw. The lab requires approximately 0.3 mL of serum for accurate testing (Eurofins-Viracor 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy evaluation: Once for diagnosis
- Monitoring immunotherapy progress: Every 6–12 months
- Symptom changes: As needed
- Suspected new reactions: Immediate testing
Why early detection matters
Seafood allergies affect approximately 2% of the U.S. population, with shellfish among the most common triggers. Early identification of specific seafood allergies reduces emergency room visits and anaphylaxis hospitalizations by up to 40% (Mayo Clinic 2023). Prompt diagnosis enables proper allergen avoidance, emergency preparedness, and appropriate treatment planning before severe reactions occur.
Related tests you may consider
Shrimp Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect a food allergy to shrimp.
Seafood Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to various common seafood.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE- Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels to detect an allergy to house dust mites.
