What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing itching, hives, swelling, stomach upset, or breathing trouble after eating lobster or other shellfish. It checks whether your immune system has developed a specific antibody reaction to lobster protein. It's also useful if you suspect a shellfish allergy but haven't pinpointed the exact trigger yet.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative value means. If your result is positive, a practical next step is to avoid lobster and watch for reactions to other shellfish, since cross-reactivity is common. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track changes over time. If you ever have a severe reaction like trouble breathing or swelling of the throat, seek emergency medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has had a reaction after eating lobster, shrimp, crab, or other shellfish should consider this test. It's also helpful for people with a family history of shellfish allergy or those who want to confirm a suspected sensitivity before eating shellfish again. If you've had unexplained hives, swelling, or digestive upset after seafood meals, this test can help clarify the cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, stomach cramps, nausea, or trouble breathing shortly after eating lobster or shellfish. Some people also notice a runny nose or watery eyes. If these symptoms consistently follow shellfish meals, this test can help confirm whether an IgE-mediated allergy is involved.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your account, where you can view the details and download the full report.

How can I naturally support a healthy immune response to food allergens?

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support overall immune balance. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep also helps your body manage inflammation more effectively. That said, if you're sensitized to lobster, the most reliable step is avoiding it rather than trying to reduce sensitivity naturally.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your immune system has produced antibodies against lobster protein, indicating sensitization. This doesn't automatically mean you'll have a severe reaction every time, but it does mean exposure could trigger symptoms ranging from mild itching to more serious reactions. Avoiding lobster and reading food labels carefully is a sensible precaution.

What causes a positive lobster IgE result?

A positive result happens when your immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in lobster as harmful and creates antibodies against them. This can develop at any age, even if you've eaten shellfish before without issues. Genetics and repeated exposure can both play a role in developing this kind of sensitivity.

How often should I retest?

If you've made dietary changes or want to confirm whether a sensitivity has changed over time, retesting every 1-2 years is reasonable. If you're actively avoiding lobster and have no new symptoms, frequent retesting usually isn't necessary. Track your results over time using the trends feature in your account.

What should I do if my results are positive?

Start by removing lobster from your diet and checking food labels for hidden shellfish ingredients. It's also smart to be cautious with other shellfish, like shrimp or crab, since cross-reactivity is common. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing after any shellfish exposure, seek emergency care immediately.

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.

Lobster Allergy Test - Shellfish IgE Blood Test

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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