Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of tuna allergies before severe reactions occur
- Convenient access without requiring a doctor's referral first
- Precise measurement using advanced FEIA technology for accurate results
- Comprehensive guidance for avoiding cross-reactive fish allergens
- Peace of mind through confidential, professional testing
- Treatment planning support for immunotherapy and allergy management
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating tuna
- Individuals with suspected fish allergies or unexplained reactions
- Those with family history of food allergies
- People planning allergen immunotherapy treatment
- Health-conscious consumers seeking proactive allergy screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any walk-in lab location for blood draw
- Quick blood sample collected by certified phlebotomist (no fasting needed)
- Receive results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to tuna allergens in your blood serum.
How accurate is the test? FEIA technology provides 70-90% sensitivity and specificity for fish allergens (PubMed 2020).
Can I eat tuna before the test? Yes, recent tuna consumption doesn't affect IgE antibody levels.
Will this test predict reaction severity? No, IgE levels indicate sensitization but don't predict how severe reactions will be.
Should I stop taking antihistamines? Don't stop medications without medical advice, but inform your provider about current medications.
What if my results are borderline? Discuss with your healthcare provider about additional testing or monitoring options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Tuna Allergy IgE Blood Test detects immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to tuna allergens in your blood. These antibodies indicate whether your immune system recognizes tuna as a threat and may trigger allergic reactions. The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify specific IgE levels, helping diagnose tuna allergy and guide treatment decisions like immunotherapy (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after tuna consumption, those with broader fish allergies, or people with unexplained allergic reactions. It's also useful for monitoring sensitization during allergen immunotherapy and for preventive screening in those with family history of food allergies. Direct-to-consumer access empowers health-conscious individuals to identify allergies proactively without initial physician referral (MedlinePlus 2024).
When should I order a Tuna Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing allergic symptoms after tuna exposure, such as hives, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory symptoms. Most food allergy reactions occur within two hours of consumption, though some may be delayed. Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, or anaphylaxis. The test is also appropriate for food allergy evaluations when tuna allergy is suspected clinically.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level: < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – no sensitization
- Typical action: Tuna likely safe to consume
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline/low positive
- Typical action: Monitor; consider clinical correlation
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive sensitization
- Typical action: Possible mild reactions; avoid tuna
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergic reactions; strict avoidance
IgE Level: 3.50–17.4 kU/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: High allergy risk; carry epinephrine
IgE Level: > 17.5 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Very high risk; immediate specialist referral
Results must be interpreted with clinical history since IgE levels don't predict reaction severity.
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 for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid tuna before testing. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Inform the lab about any antihistamines or immunotherapy treatments, as these may affect interpretation but shouldn't be stopped without medical guidance.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time testing usually sufficient
- Monitoring immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months during treatment
- Suspected tolerance development: Every 1–2 years with clinical evaluation
- Changing symptoms: As needed based on clinical assessment
Why early detection matters
Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children and 10% of adults in the U.S., with fish allergies causing potentially severe reactions (CDC 2023). Early detection reduces emergency visits, improves quality of life, and potentially decreases healthcare costs through timely management. Identifying tuna allergy enables proper avoidance strategies and emergency preparedness, preventing progression to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile Shellfish Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to various common shellfish.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
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.
