Shellfish Allergy Panel

Shellfish allergies are among the most common food allergies in adults and can develop at any stage of life, even in people who have eaten shellfish for years without a reaction. The ICare Shellfish Allergy Panel measures your immune system's response to common shellfish allergens, helping identify potential sensitivities and providing valuable information for you and your healthcare provider.

Reactions to shellfish can range from mild symptoms, such as itching or hives, to severe allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention. Whether you've experienced symptoms after eating shellfish, have a family history of food allergies, or want greater clarity about your health, this panel offers reliable answers to help guide your care.

With ICare's concierge mobile laboratory services, advanced allergy testing is delivered directly to your home, office, or preferred location, making comprehensive allergy evaluation more convenient than ever.

What Does This Test Measure?

The Shellfish Allergy Panel measures allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to proteins found in common shellfish.

Depending on the panel ordered, testing may include:

Crustaceans

Common crustacean allergens may include:

Shrimp
Crab
Lobster
Crawfish

Crustacean allergies are the most common type of shellfish allergy and are often associated with more significant allergic reactions.

Mollusks

The panel may also evaluate allergies to mollusks, including:

Clams
Oysters
Scallops
Mussels

Not everyone who is allergic to crustaceans is allergic to mollusks, making individual testing especially valuable.

Allergen-Specific IgE Testing

This panel measures IgE antibodies, which are responsible for immediate allergic reactions.

A positive result indicates that your immune system has developed sensitivity to a specific shellfish allergen. However, a positive IgE result alone does not confirm a clinical food allergy. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and, when appropriate, additional allergy evaluation.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The Shellfish Allergy Panel may be beneficial for individuals who:

Experience hives, itching, or swelling after eating shellfish
Have difficulty breathing or wheezing following shellfish consumption
Experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after eating shellfish
Have experienced unexplained allergic reactions
Have a family history of food allergies
Want to identify specific shellfish allergy triggers
Have been advised by their healthcare provider to undergo allergy testing

Individuals who have experienced severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis after eating shellfish should seek immediate medical attention and follow up with an allergy specialist.

Why Is It Important?

Provides a broader picture of health, helps identify abnormalities, and supports personalized treatment decisions.

What's Included

Common Questions