What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing itching, hives, swelling, stomach upset, or breathing trouble after eating catfish or other fish. It checks whether your immune system has produced antibodies that react to catfish protein, which is a sign of sensitization. This can help you understand if catfish might be behind your symptoms so you can start managing your diet more confidently.

What's included in this test?

This test measures a single marker: catfish-specific IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are the immune messengers your body creates when it mistakenly treats a food protein as a threat, so measuring them helps identify sensitization to this specific allergen.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what the normal range means and where your result falls. If your result comes back positive, a practical next step is to avoid catfish and watch for symptoms with other fish types, since cross-reactivity is common. If a value looks unusually high or you have a severe reaction like trouble breathing, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your results if you retest later.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Once ready, you'll be able to view them directly in your online account. You'll also be able to download a standard lab report for your records.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who notices symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive issues, or breathing changes after eating catfish or other seafood. It's also useful for people with a family history of food allergies who want to check their own sensitivities. If you've had an unexplained reaction after a seafood meal, this test can help clarify whether catfish is a trigger.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include itchy skin, hives, swelling of the lips or face, stomach cramps, nausea, or a runny nose that shows up shortly after eating catfish. More serious symptoms can include throat tightness or difficulty breathing, which should be treated as an emergency. If you notice a pattern of symptoms after eating fish, this test can help confirm whether catfish is part of the issue.

How can I naturally support a food sensitivity like this?

The most effective approach is simply avoiding catfish and reading food labels carefully, since fish can appear in unexpected products like sauces or broths. Keeping a food and symptom journal can help you spot patterns and confirm triggers over time. Eating a varied, whole-food diet also supports overall immune balance, and some people find that reducing processed foods helps calm overall sensitivity reactions.

What is IgE sensitization and why does it matter?

IgE is an antibody your immune system makes when it identifies something, like catfish protein, as a potential threat. Having IgE against catfish means your body is sensitized, which raises the chance you'll have a reaction when exposed to it. It matters because knowing your sensitization status helps you make informed choices about your diet and avoid unnecessary risk.

What does a high or positive result mean?

A positive or high result means your immune system has made antibodies against catfish protein, indicating sensitization. It doesn't automatically mean you'll have a severe reaction every time, but it does mean exposure carries some risk of an allergic response. The best step is to avoid catfish and discuss any reaction history with your usual care routine or an emergency service if symptoms are severe.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't usually needed unless your symptoms change or you want to see if sensitization has decreased over time, which can happen especially in children. Many people retest every 1-2 years if they're monitoring a known sensitivity. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to compare results side by side.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Catfish Allergy Test - IgE Sensitization Check

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!

754-799-7833

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