Allergy, Shrimp Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Shrimp Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Shrimp IgE Test, Prawn Allergy Test, Shrimp-specific IgE, f24 Allergen Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is an Allergy, Shrimp Test?
The allergy, Shrimp test is a blood test that checks for specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies against Shrimp proteins in your blood. IgE antibodies are produced by your immune system when it mistakenly treats a harmless substance, such as Shrimp, as a threat. Doctors order this test when a patient reports symptoms after eating Shrimp or other shellfish. It is also known as the Shrimp IgE Test or Prawn Allergy Test.
What Does an Allergy, Shrimp Test Measure?
This test detects IgE antibodies directed at specific proteins found in Shrimp. Here are the key allergenic proteins involved:
| Protein | Role in Allergy |
|---|---|
| Tropomyosin (Pen a 1) | The most common allergenic Shrimp protein; also found in other crustaceans |
| Arginine kinase | Triggers IgE-mediated immune reactions |
| Myosin light chain | Involved in allergic responses to Shrimp |
| Sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein | A recognised Shrimp allergen |
| Troponin C | Associated with IgE-mediated sensitivity |
| Triosephosphate isomerase | An additional allergen linked to Shrimp allergy |
When these proteins enter the body in a sensitised person, they trigger the release of histamine, causing allergic symptoms.
Why is an Allergy, Shrimp Test Done?
This test helps doctors identify whether Shrimp is the cause of the allergic symptoms you have been experiencing. Below are the key reasons a doctor may recommend it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, especially after eating Shrimp or shellfish, may prompt your doctor to order a Shrimp allergy test:
- Hives (urticaria) or skin rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (angioedema)
- Breathing difficulty or wheezing
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Itching around the mouth (oral allergy syndrome)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use this test to investigate or confirm the following:
- Shrimp or prawn allergy diagnosis
- Identification of the allergen responsible for an anaphylactic episode
- Cross-reactivity with other crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and crawfish
- Cross-reactivity between Shrimp and house dust mites (due to a shared muscle protein called tropomyosin)
- Sensitisation that needs to be confirmed before starting immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation treatment)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the Shrimp allergy test procedure is straightforward. There are no major restrictions, but a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before the test. If other tests are ordered at the same time, check with your doctor in case fasting is needed for those.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Follow these simple steps before your sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Avoid antihistamines (allergy medicines) for a few days before testing, if your doctor permits, as they may affect results
- Inform the collecting professional about all current medications, recent allergic reactions, or ongoing allergy treatments
- Drink plenty of water before the blood draw to keep the veins accessible
- Schedule the test when your recent symptom history or exposure to Shrimp is still fresh
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the allergy, Shrimp test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on the inside of your arm with an antiseptic swab.
- A tourniquet (an elastic band) is placed around your upper arm to make the veins easier to find.
- You are asked to make a fist to help the veins fill with blood.
- A small needle is gently inserted, and approximately 3 ml of blood is collected into a yellow SST gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton pad or bandage is placed on the site.
- The sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and sent to the NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis using the FEIA (fluorescence enzyme immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
These factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Recent or ongoing use of antihistamines
- Current immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation) treatment
- Very high total serum IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive results
- An incomplete or absent clinical history provided at the time of testing
- Dust mite sensitisation, which may produce a positive result without true Shrimp allergy
Understanding Your Allergy, Shrimp Test Results
Your results are reported as a class from 0 to 6, based on the level of Shrimp-specific IgE antibodies measured in kU/L. Always review results with your doctor for a full picture.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative/Undetectable |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low (weak positive) |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive |
| 4 | 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high positive |
| 5 | 50.00 to 99.99 | Very high positive |
| 6 | 100.00 or above | Very high positive |
A result of Class 2 or above (0.70 kU/L or more) is flagged as abnormally elevated. A negative result (less than 0.35 kU/L) suggests that Shrimp is probably not responsible for your symptoms, though it does not completely rule out an allergy.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make results harder to interpret:
If you have a dust mite allergy, you may test positive for Shrimp-specific IgE without a true Shrimp allergy. This is because tropomyosin, a muscle protein, is shared between Shrimp and dust mites, and is recognised by the immune system in both cases.
If your total serum IgE is very high (above 2,500 kU/L), there is a chance of a false-positive result due to nonspecific antibody binding in the test.
A positive result indicates sensitisation, but the level of IgE does not predict how severe any allergic reaction will be.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
If your test confirms a Shrimp allergy, these general steps may help you manage it:
- Avoid Shrimp and other shellfish, and check ingredient labels on processed foods and seafood-flavoured products carefully.
- Inform restaurants and food handlers about your allergy when eating out.
- Speak with your doctor about carrying an emergency epinephrine auto-injector if you have a history of severe reactions.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Shrimp Test Price and Home Collection
The allergy, Shrimp test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,400, and home collection is available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1400 |
| CHENNAI | 1400 |
| HYDERABAD | 1400 |
| KOLKATA | 1400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1400 |
| PUNE | 1400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the allergy, Shrimp test online with Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers allergy, Shrimp test home collection across cities in India. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time, collects the blood sample, and sends it to a NABL-accredited laboratory for processing. Your digital report is delivered within 3 days of sample collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The allergy, Shrimp test measures IgE antibodies in your blood that are specific to Shrimp proteins. Doctors order it when a patient reports symptoms such as hives, swelling, or breathing problems after eating Shrimp or other shellfish. It helps confirm whether Shrimp is the cause.
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood sample is collected. Just remember to bring your clinical history, as this is required at the time of testing.
It is possible to be allergic to only one type of shellfish. However, cross-reactivity is common among crustaceans such as Shrimp, crab, and lobster. Your doctor may suggest testing for other shellfish allergens based on your symptoms and history.
Not necessarily. The level of Shrimp-specific IgE does not reliably predict how severe your allergic reaction will be. Your doctor will consider your IgE level alongside your full clinical history and symptoms when advising you.
Yes, it can. Tropomyosin is a muscle protein shared between Shrimp and dust mites. People with dust mite allergy may show a positive Shrimp-specific IgE result without having a true Shrimp allergy. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and history alongside the test result.
Yes. Lupin Diagnostics offers allergy, Shrimp test home collection in major cities. A certified phlebotomist will visit your home at a convenient time to collect your blood sample, and results are delivered digitally within 3 days.
Results for the allergy, Shrimp test are typically available within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your report via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Allergy, Shrimp Test: Booking, Price, and Results
