Clam Allergy Blood Test

This test measures a person's allergic reaction to clams.  Clams are a type of shellfish in the mollusk category.  Other types of mollusks include mussels, scallops, and oysters.  It is typical for someone who is allergic to one type of shellfish to be allergic to others as well since they contain similar proteins.  Allergy symptoms can develop anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion.  Common symptoms include tingling in the mouth, hives, itching, rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, flushed skin, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.  A severe allergic reaction can sometimes cause anaphylaxis which may be life-threatening. 

Food allergies are caused by a reaction in the body's immune system.  The body identifies certain substances as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against them.  These antibodies trigger the release of histamine which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.  The severity of the allergy will vary from one person to the next.  Blood allergy testing provides numerical results for IgE antibody levels to help determine how severe a reaction a person will have.  Positive allergy test results should be discussed with a person's doctor to determine the appropriate follow-up.

Clam allergy testing is typically ordered when a person experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating clams.  clams are also included in our Shellfish Allergy Panel.  For more testing options, please see our Allergy Testing Category. 

Results for this test typically take 3-5 business days.