Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of IgE antibodies to swordfish in your blood. Its single biomarker is F312-IgE Swordfish, so it looks at swordfish only and does not test other fish, seafood, or foods.
IgE is the type of antibody involved in allergic responses. An IgE result shows whether your immune system has produced these antibodies to swordfish. It does not, on its own, confirm a clinical food allergy, predict how severe a reaction could be, or show whether swordfish is safe for you to eat. Your healthcare provider can review the result alongside your history and symptoms.
Benefits
- Measures swordfish-specific IgE antibodies with a simple blood draw.
- Gives you information to discuss with your healthcare provider.
- Focuses on one food allergen, swordfish.
- Requires no special preparation.
- Lets you view results online.
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have had symptoms they associate with eating swordfish.
- People who have had symptoms related to a suspected seafood allergy.
- People who want swordfish-specific IgE information to share with a healthcare provider.
- People who have had a reaction after eating swordfish and want to discuss it with a provider.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure?
It measures IgE antibodies to swordfish in a blood sample, reported as F312-IgE Swordfish. That helps a healthcare provider evaluate whether your immune system has responded to swordfish. Because it measures one allergen and one antibody type, it does not provide results for other fish or seafood.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Consider this test if you have had symptoms you think may be linked to swordfish or seafood. Allergic reactions to food often begin within minutes and usually within two hours of eating, though in rare cases they can be delayed by four to six hours or longer. Symptoms can affect the skin, digestive tract, and airways. Signs of anaphylaxis, such as a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, need immediate medical attention.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required. You can have your blood drawn without changing anything beforehand.
4. How quickly will I get my results?
Results take 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
Your result shows the level of swordfish-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. A clinical food allergy depends on your symptoms, history, and other information, so the result alone cannot confirm or rule one out. It also cannot predict reaction severity or show whether swordfish is safe to eat. If your result is abnormal, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can decide whether 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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins in different foods or substances. This test measures only swordfish-specific IgE and does not test for any of the items listed below. These examples are not exhaustive, and they are possible considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, related allergen testing may be worth discussing.
- Other finned fish: Fish share a protein called parvalbumin, and some people with a fish allergy may also react to other fish, such as cod, salmon, or tuna. Reactions vary between people and species.
- Shellfish: Shellfish proteins differ from those in finned fish, so a fish allergy does not generally mean a shellfish allergy. Some people may have both, which is a separate consideration.
