Question 1

What is Shellfish Allergy?

Accepted Answer

Shellfish allergy is an abnormal immune response to proteins found in marine shellfish such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and clams. It is caused by the immune system producing IgE and IgG4 antibodies that mistakenly identify shellfish proteins as harmful invaders. The Allergy-Shellfish Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures specific antibodies to multiple shellfish types in a single comprehensive panel.

Question 2

What causes shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Shellfish allergy is caused by an abnormal immune response to specific proteins found in shellfish such as tropomyosin, which is the primary allergen in crustaceans like shrimp, crab, and lobster. When you eat shellfish, your immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as dangerous invaders and produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) to fight them. This immune reaction triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Question 3

What is the best test for shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

The Allergy-Shellfish Panel is the most important test for shellfish allergy because it measures specific IgE antibodies to multiple types of shellfish including clams, crab, lobster, and shrimp in one comprehensive analysis. This panel identifies which specific shellfish trigger your immune system and helps determine the severity of your allergic response. For more detailed analysis, the Food Allergen Profile, IgE With Component Reflexes provides advanced testing for scallops and shrimp with component-level precision, while the IgG4 Food Panels (III, IV, and VI) measure IgG4 antibodies that can reveal additional immune responses to shrimp, clams, lobster, and crab proteins.

Question 4

When should I get tested for shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, stomach cramps, vomiting, or difficulty breathing within minutes to hours after eating shellfish. Testing is also important if you have a family history of shellfish allergy, have experienced unexplained anaphylaxis, or need to confirm whether you can safely eat certain types of shellfish while avoiding others. Early testing helps you avoid potentially life-threatening reactions and allows your doctor to create an emergency action plan with epinephrine auto-injectors if needed.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Shellfish allergy symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after eating shellfish and range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include skin reactions like hives, itching, or eczema, digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, and respiratory issues including nasal congestion, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, shellfish allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that includes a rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, and throat swelling that makes breathing difficult.

Question 6

Who is at risk for shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Adults are at higher risk for developing shellfish allergy compared to children, as this allergy commonly appears in adulthood rather than childhood. People with other allergies such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever have an increased risk, as do those with a family history of food allergies or shellfish allergy specifically. Individuals who work in seafood processing or restaurant kitchens face higher exposure and may develop the allergy through repeated contact. Unlike many childhood food allergies, shellfish allergy tends to be lifelong and rarely goes away once developed.

Question 7

What happens if shellfish allergy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If shellfish allergy is left undiagnosed or untreated, you risk experiencing repeated allergic reactions that can progressively worsen over time. Each exposure to shellfish proteins can trigger more severe symptoms, and without proper diagnosis and an emergency action plan, you may not have life-saving epinephrine available during anaphylaxis. Unmanaged shellfish allergy can lead to accidental exposure through cross-contamination in restaurants or processed foods, resulting in emergency room visits or potentially fatal reactions. Chronic exposure and repeated reactions can also cause ongoing inflammation and digestive problems that affect your quality of life.

Question 8

Can shellfish allergy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, shellfish allergy can be accurately diagnosed with blood tests that measure specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies your immune system produces in response to shellfish proteins. Blood tests are safer than oral food challenges because they do not expose you to allergens that could trigger dangerous reactions. These tests identify which specific types of shellfish you are allergic to and measure the levels of antibodies, helping your doctor assess the severity of your allergy and create an appropriate management plan with emergency medications if needed.

Question 9

How is shellfish allergy treated?

Accepted Answer

Shellfish allergy is treated primarily through strict avoidance of all shellfish and careful reading of food labels to prevent accidental exposure. Your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) that you must carry at all times for emergency treatment of severe reactions or anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can help manage mild symptoms like hives or itching, but they cannot stop anaphylaxis. You should wear a medical alert bracelet, inform restaurants about your allergy to prevent cross-contamination, and develop a written emergency action plan with your healthcare provider that outlines steps to take if you accidentally consume shellfish.

Question 10

How can I prevent shellfish allergy reactions?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent shellfish allergy reactions by completely avoiding all shellfish including shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels, as well as any foods containing shellfish ingredients. Always read food labels carefully and look for warnings about shellfish or cross-contamination with shellfish products. When dining out, inform restaurant staff about your allergy and ask about ingredients and preparation methods to avoid cross-contact with shellfish. Be cautious with Asian cuisine, seafood restaurants, and buffets where cross-contamination is common, and carry your epinephrine auto-injector everywhere you go.

Question 11

What can I do at home for shellfish allergy symptoms?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage mild shellfish allergy symptoms like itching or hives by taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine immediately after exposure. Apply cool compresses or calamine lotion to itchy skin to reduce discomfort and avoid scratching. However, if you experience any signs of a severe reaction like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness, you must use your epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call 911, as home remedies cannot treat anaphylaxis. Keep a food diary to track potential exposures and always have your emergency medications easily accessible.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Shellfish Allergy Blood Test

What is Shellfish Allergy?

What causes shellfish allergy?

What is the best test for shellfish allergy?

When should I get tested for shellfish allergy?

References

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