Swordfish Allergy IgE Blood Test

The swordfish allergy IgE blood test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to swordfish. 

Description

Order a swordfish allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to swordfish. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.

Swordfish is a highly popular fish for cooking. As swordfish are large, the meat is generally sold as steaks. With a slightly sweet taste, swordfish is moist, mild-tasting, and flavorful. The steaks have an oil content that is moderately high and a firm, meaty texture. The swordfish flesh color varies from white and ivory to pink and orange in the raw form and will turn beige after cooking. For those who are unsure if they like fish, its mild taste makes it a particularly good choice.

Swordfish is an excellent source of selenium, a micronutrient that offers valuable heart health and cancer-fighting benefits. It is rich in protein and full of vitamin B12, Omega-3, and niacin. Best of all, it's low in calories and fat.

There is allergic cross-reactivity between various types of fish, which means that individuals with allergies to one type of fish are likely to have or develop an allergy to other types of finned fish. This is due to a protein that is present in many fish called parvalbumin. Individuals that are allergic to swordfish are normally advised to avoid all finned fish.

There are many species of finned fish. Some of the most common fish species to avoid, however, include:

• Bass
• Haddock
• Anchovies
• Hake
• Catfish
• Halibut
• Cod
• Herring
• Flounder
• Mahi Mahi
• Grouper
• Perch
• Sole
• Pike
• Salmon
• Pollock
• Tilapia
• Snapper
• Trout
• Scrod
• Tuna

An allergy to swordfish triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after consumption. Common symptoms of a swordfish allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tingling, tightness, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips
• Itchy skin
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness