West Midlands
Fish/Shellfish Allergy Testing
Seafood allergies, including reactions to fish and shellfish, are common among adults and can also affect children. Interestingly, these allergies can develop at any stage of life, even if you’ve previously consumed fish or shellfish without any issues. It’s important to note that fish and shellfish allergies are typically lifelong conditions and are seldom outgrown.
If you’re diagnosed with a fish or shellfish allergy, you’re not alone—around 2 million people in the UK share this condition.
Cost
- Focused GP appointment (15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
What are fish/shellfish allergies?
Fish and shellfish are among the 14 major food allergens regulated by the Food Standards Agency in the UK. This means they must be clearly labeled on all food packaging to ensure consumer safety.
Fish: Vertebrates with a backbone, most have scales and fins. Common examples include salmon, tuna, cod, and haddock.
Shellfish:
- Crustaceans: Invertebrates with a segmented body and jointed legs, such as crabs, lobsters, prawns, and shrimp.
- Molluscs: Invertebrates with soft bodies; some have shells. Examples include oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, squid, and octopus.
Symptoms of fish and shellfish allergies
Allergic reactions to fish and shellfish can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- Hives or skin rashes
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
Itching in the mouth or skin - Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
- Dizziness or fainting
Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction, is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Avoiding accidental exposure
Hidden fish and shellfish can be present in various foods, even if you can’t see or smell them. Common foods that may contain seafood include:
• Asian dishes like fried rice or sushi rolls
• Paella and other rice dishes
• Battered or breaded foods like fish fingers
• Soups, stews, or casseroles containing seafood
• Dips or spreads such as taramasalata
• Pizzas with seafood toppings
• Foods cooked in the same oil as fish (e.g., chips from a fryer used for fish)
Cross-contact can occur when allergens from one food come into contact with another, potentially causing a reaction. This can happen at home, in restaurants, or during food processing. Fish and shellfish derivatives may also be found in non-food products like cosmetics or medications, so it’s essential to read labels carefully.
Our testing process
1. Consultation with Dr Ahmed:
• Discuss your symptoms and medical history to understand your condition better.
• Identify potential triggers and any previous reactions you’ve experienced.
2. Allergy testing:
– Blood tests: Measures the presence of specific IgE antibodies to fish and shellfish allergens in your blood
What We Test For?
Fish Allergy Tests
Cod Fish IgE: Tests for allergy to cod fish (main allergen: parvalbumin).
Shellfish Allergy Panel
Crayfish IgE: Tests for allergy to crayfish (main allergen: tropomyosin).
Shellfish IgE Panel: Includes testing for allergies to a variety of shellfish, both crustaceans and molluscs:
Crustaceans: Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Crayfish.
Molluscs: Blue Mussel, Clam, Oyster, Scallop.
These tests help identify specific seafood allergies, especially given potential cross-reactivity between similar species (e.g., crustaceans and mollusks).
– An allergy specialist may conduct Skin prick testing: A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on your skin, usually on the forearm or back. The skin is then pricked to allow exposure. If a raised bump (wheal) develops within 15-20 minutes, it may indicate an allergy.
3. Preparation for your appointment:
• Note down your symptoms, when they occur, and any foods or substances that seem to trigger them.
• Avoid eating fish or shellfish before your appointment to prevent any allergic reactions during testing.
• Prepare any questions you may have for Dr Ahmed.
Do you have other questions?
Early detection and management of fish and shellfish allergies can significantly improve your quality of life. If you suspect you have an allergy, don’t hesitate to reach out.
