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Tuna Allergy Test

This Tuna Allergy Test uses a blood sample to determine whether or not you are allergic to tuna.

$49
Order Test
Test Preparation:
None
Testing Method:
Blood draw

This Tuna Allergy Test uses a blood sample to determine whether or not you are allergic to tuna. It’s unlikely to be allergic to only tuna and not other types of commonly-eaten fish, so consider taking our Fish Allergy Panel to cover more bases all at once (and save money). To identify this specific allergy, order our Tuna Allergy Test today.

How Our Tuna Allergy Test Works

For our Tuna allergy test, simply place your order online and stop by one of our 4000+ nationwide testing facilities at your convenience (no appointments). A member of the center’s staff will collect a small blood sample via the skin prick method, at which point your part of the process is done. 

The sample collection itself takes only a few minutes, and most patients are in and out and about their day in under half an hour. From there, your sample will be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, and in as little as 24-72 hours, you’ll have full results regarding your Tuna intolerance.

Common Tuna Allergy Symptoms

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world, Tuna is a saltwater fish related to mackerel. Tuna is highly nutritious, offering lots of lean, low-calorie protein with vitamins and minerals galore. Consequently, Tuna is extensively fished commercially as a food fish. But fish, including Tuna, is a potential allergy inducer.

Tuna allergies usually begin at the childhood stage, and the sensitized individuals mostly remain allergic for their entire life. The primary allergen in Tuna is Thu a 1, a highly stable and heat-resistant protein found in fish muscle. Scombroid fishes — Tuna and mackerel— seem to share allergenic properties.

Although food allergy symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, allergic reactions to Tuna tend to be mild. The allergens in tuna fish are reported to induce the following symptoms in sensitized individuals: 

  •   Runny nose
  •   Itchy skin and rash 
  •   Hives — raised red bumps on the skin
  •   Tingling sensation in the mouth or throat
  •   Swollen lips
  •   Stomach pain
  •   Vomiting

Although most allergic reactions to Tuna occur when a sensitized individual ingests Tuna, people allergic to Tuna may also experience symptoms after coming into physical contact with Tuna or breathing in the steam (airborne allergens) from cooking Tuna. Canned Tuna can also induce allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. 

How to Interpret Your Results

A tuna allergy occurs when the body mistakes certain proteins in tuna fish for intruders. The immune system releases antibodies and a chemical called histamine to fight off these supposed invaders, causing inflammatory reactions. Our tuna allergy test is an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test that measures the level of allergen-specific antibodies to diagnose allergies. 

The results of your tuna allergy test will be delivered via our secure online portal. We strive to present the results of our Tuna allergy test in a format that is as clear as possible. It’s vital that you carefully interpret your tuna allergy results and understand what the outcome means for your health. 

When examining your tuna allergy test results, you will see the name of the test, a ‘result,’ ‘reference range,’ and ‘flag’ columns. The ‘reference range’ is the threshold for an allergic reaction. The numerical value populating the ‘result’ column indicates your sensitivity to the allergen. 

The outcome of the test can be found under the ‘flag’ column, reported as either normal/unreactive or abnormal/reactive. If it reads normal/unreactive, it’s unlikely that you have a tuna allergy. Conversely, an ‘abnormal/reactive’ reading means that you are allergic to Tuna. 

What Are the Possible Complications of Tuna Allergy?

Clinical manifestations of tuna allergy can be severe. Anaphylaxis, for instance, is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that triggers the release of a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock. Symptoms can be unpredictable, and even tiny amounts of Tuna can cause a severe reaction. 

It may start as a mild reaction, but the symptoms gradually worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms after being exposed to Tuna:  

  •   Narrowing airways
  •   Swelling in the throat
  •   A sudden drop in blood pressure
  •   Loss of consciousness

FAQs

  • Tuna allergy comes from your immune system mistakenly reacting to specific proteins in Tuna as threats. The subsequent immune reaction causes the symptoms of a tuna allergy.

  • Individuals allergic to Tuna may be allergic to another type of fish. The specific protein in Tuna that triggers allergy may be present in other fish, and you may then have an allergic reaction to all fish containing that protein.

  • Our IgE antibody test uses a blood sample to determine if you are allergic to tuna fish. The test measures the level of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.