Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Tuna Allergy IgE Blood Test measures the level of IgE antibodies to tuna (F040-IgE Tuna) in your blood. IgE antibodies are part of the immune response involved in some food allergies.
This test looks only at tuna. It does not measure other fish, seafood, or foods, and results for tuna do not provide laboratory results for any other allergen.
A measurable IgE level to tuna shows that your immune system has produced these antibodies. On its own, it does not confirm a clinical food allergy.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibodies specific to tuna
- Uses a simple blood sample
- Requires no special preparation
- Provides results you can review with your healthcare provider
- Offers convenient online ordering and results
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults or children who have had symptoms after eating tuna and want to discuss them with a provider
- People who have noticed tingling around the mouth, swelling, hives, or itching after seafood
- People who have experienced abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating tuna
- People who have had congestion, wheezing, or lightheadedness after a meal containing tuna
- People whose healthcare provider has suggested measuring IgE antibodies to tuna
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what is it used for?
The Tuna Allergy IgE Blood Test measures IgE antibodies to tuna in a blood sample. Your healthcare provider may use this information, along with your history and symptoms, when evaluating a possible tuna allergy. It focuses on tuna only and does not assess any other food.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Testing may be relevant if you have had symptoms after eating tuna or other seafood, such as itching, hives, swelling, nausea, or congestion. Food-related symptoms often begin within minutes and usually occur within two hours of eating. In rare cases, they can be delayed by four to six hours or longer. Severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, a swollen throat, or loss of consciousness require immediate medical attention.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required. You can visit your local lab for your blood draw without following any additional instructions.
4. How quickly will I get my results?
Your results are expected in 3-5 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 reflects the level of IgE antibodies to tuna, but it cannot establish a clinical food allergy on its own. Interpretation depends on your result, symptoms, and medical history. A positive result does not automatically mean you must avoid tuna, and a negative result does not guarantee it 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 allergens. This test measures only IgE antibodies to tuna and does not test for any of the items below. These examples are not exhaustive, and they represent possible considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Cross-reactivity does not mean you will react to another item. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, testing for related allergens may be worth discussing.
- Other finned fish (such as salmon, cod, herring, swordfish, sole, snapper, and bass): These fish may share a protein called parvalbumin with tuna, and some people with fish allergy react to more than one species.
- Shellfish (crustaceans and mollusks): Shellfish proteins generally differ from fish proteins, so shellfish are not typically considered cross-reactive with fish, although some people have allergies to both.
