Test library
Shellfish Antibody Panel
A shellfish allergy panel measures IgE antibodies to shrimp, crab, lobster, and clam in a single blood sample. It helps assess sensitization to common crustaceans and mollusks that can trigger food reactions.
Order Shellfish Allergy Test - Crab, Shrimp, Clam, Lobster
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Shellfish Allergy Test - Crab, Shrimp, Clam, Lobster- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $159
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The shellfish allergy panel is a blood test that measures immunoglobulin E antibodies against four common shellfish: shrimp, crab, lobster, and clam. Shellfish allergy can cause reactions ranging from hives and stomach upset to severe reactions, and crustaceans and mollusks are tracked separately because they contain different allergens. Testing several species together helps show which sensitizations are present. A healthcare provider interprets the results with the person's history.
What this test measures
Shellfish fall into two broad groups: crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, and mollusks such as clams, mussels, and oysters. The proteins that trigger reactions differ between these groups, so someone may react to one group and tolerate the other. This panel focuses on four widely eaten shellfish, combining the major crustaceans with clam as a representative mollusk.
The test measures allergen-specific IgE in a serum sample and reports a level or reactivity class for each species. Tropomyosin is a well-known shellfish allergen found in crustaceans, and other proteins contribute to mollusk reactions. Because cooking does not always remove shellfish allergens, testing can be useful even when symptoms follow cooked food.
A positive result indicates sensitization and does not predict the severity of a future reaction. Some people with positive tests tolerate the food, while others react. A qualified healthcare provider reviews the panel with the symptom history and may recommend additional evaluation. Anyone with a history of severe reactions should seek medical guidance.
- Shrimp-specific IgE antibodies
- Crab-specific IgE antibodies
- Lobster-specific IgE antibodies
- Clam-specific IgE antibodies
- Total serum IgE
- Tropomyosin reactivity when available
- Quantitative allergen-specific IgE levels
- IgE reactivity classes for each shellfish
Why people order this test
- Investigate reactions after eating shrimp, crab, lobster, or clams
- Assess sensitization across multiple shellfish species
- Support a food allergy workup when shellfish is suspected
- Clarify cross-reactivity between crustaceans and mollusks
- Follow up on an earlier single-species shellfish test
How to prepare
No fasting is required for this blood test. A sample is collected from a vein, typically at the arm. Follow any specific instructions provided by the laboratory.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to three business days. The report lists each shellfish species with its specific IgE level or class. An elevated value for one or more species suggests sensitization, which a healthcare provider interprets with the clinical history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which shellfish are in this panel?
It tests for shrimp, crab, lobster, and clam, covering three crustaceans and one mollusk.
Are crustaceans and mollusks tested the same way?
They are tested separately because they contain different allergens. The results show which species you may be sensitized to.
Does cooking shellfish remove the allergens?
Cooking does not reliably remove shellfish allergens, so reactions can occur with cooked food as well.
Do I need to fast?
No fasting is needed unless the test is combined with other tests that require it.
Can the panel predict reaction severity?
No. The test shows sensitization but does not predict how severe a future reaction would be. A healthcare provider can advise on next steps.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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