Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the doctor visit - order online and get tested at your local lab
- Less invasive than skin tests - simple blood draw with no painful skin pricks
- Fast, accurate results - reliable IgE antibody detection within 4-6 days
- Confidential testing - discreet way to investigate potential food allergies
- Actionable insights - clear results help you make informed dietary decisions
- Prevent severe reactions - early detection helps avoid life-threatening anaphylaxis
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing symptoms after eating swordfish or seafood
- Individuals with unexplained digestive issues, skin reactions, or respiratory problems following fish consumption
- Those with a family history of seafood or fish allergies
- Anyone wanting to confirm suspected swordfish sensitivity
- People planning to introduce swordfish into their regular diet for the first time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a local lab - Get a quick blood draw at a nearby collection site
- Receive results - Access your results online within 4-6 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? The test measures IgE antibodies specific to swordfish proteins in your blood.
How accurate is the test? The test is highly reliable for detecting swordfish-specific IgE antibodies (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Can I eat before the test? Yes, no fasting is required for this blood test.
What if I'm allergic to other fish too? Many people allergic to one fish are allergic to others due to cross-reactivity.
How quickly do allergic reactions occur? Most food allergy symptoms appear within minutes to 2 hours of eating.
What should I do if results are positive? Consult a healthcare provider or allergist for a comprehensive management plan.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Swordfish Allergy IgE Blood Test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood to determine if you have an allergic reaction to swordfish. When your immune system mistakenly identifies swordfish proteins as harmful, it produces specific IgE antibodies that trigger allergic symptoms ranging from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms after consuming swordfish, including tingling around the mouth, swelling, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, hives, congestion, difficulty breathing, or lightheadedness. It's also beneficial for people with family history of seafood allergies or those wanting to proactively screen before regularly consuming swordfish.
When should I order Swordfish Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you suspect a swordfish allergy, especially if symptoms occur shortly after consumption. Consider testing if you've experienced any allergic reactions to fish or seafood, have unexplained digestive or respiratory symptoms, or want confirmation before avoiding swordfish in your diet.
How do I interpret the results?
< 0.35 kUA/L
- What it means: No allergy detected
- Typical action: Swordfish likely safe to consume
0.35 – 0.70 kUA/L
- What it means: Low sensitivity
- Typical action: Discuss with healthcare provider
0.71 – 3.50 kUA/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitivity
- Typical action: Consider avoidance, consult allergist
> 3.50 kUA/L
- What it means: High sensitivity
- Typical action: Strict avoidance recommended
High IgE levels indicate allergic sensitization, but clinical symptoms determine the severity of your allergy.
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 needed for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid medications. However, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, as certain drugs may potentially affect immune responses.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: One-time test
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2–3 years
- After allergic reaction: Retest in 6–12 months
- Childhood allergy follow-up: Annually until adulthood
Why early detection matters
Early detection of swordfish allergy prevents potentially life-threatening reactions. Fish allergies can cause severe anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical attention (Mayo Clinic 2019). Identifying your allergy allows you to avoid trigger foods, carry emergency medication like epinephrine auto-injectors, and educate family members about your condition for better safety.
Related tests you may consider
Seafood Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to various common seafood.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
Tuna Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect a food allergy to tuna.
