Blood draw
Mussel allergy (IgE mussel)
Measures IgE antibodies against proteins in mussel. For anyone with allergic symptoms after eating mussels or other shellfish.
€ 36,00
All tests
Allergy and intolerance · Blood
IgE antibodies to mussel
Antibodies against mussel protein; shows whether the immune system is sensitive to mussel, not whether you get symptoms from it.
At a glance
- Measured in blood
- In 2 test panels
- No special preparation
Explanation
IgE antibodies to mussel: what is measured?
Mussels are shellfish and belong to the mollusks, as do oysters, cockles, squid and snails; mollusks must be listed as an allergen on food packaging. Mollusks are also found in, for example, paella, fish soup, pasta dishes and seafood mixes. This test measures the amount of IgE antibodies against the proteins in mussel in the blood, in kU/l. The body only makes these antibodies after it has previously been in contact with the allergen; this is called sensitization. Other mollusks and crustaceans, such as shrimp, are not measured separately.
What can it detect?
- Sensitization to mussel: the body has made IgE antibodies against mussel
- Support in working out a suspected allergy to mussel, together with the history of the symptoms
Result
What does the result mean?
IgE antibodies to mussel too high
A value above the cut-off means that you have IgE antibodies against mussel: sensitization. That is not the same as an allergy. According to Stichting Voedselallergie, people with an allergy to mollusks often also react to crustaceans, such as shrimp, and cross-reactions with house dust mite occur; shrimp, mollusks and house dust mite all contain the protein tropomyosin. A positive result can therefore also occur without mussels giving you symptoms. According to the same foundation, someone who reacts to one mollusk has about a 3 in 4 chance of reacting to more mollusks. The level of the value says little about how severe a reaction would be.
IgE antibodies to mussel too low
A value below the cut-off means that no IgE antibodies against this allergen were found. An IgE-mediated allergy to this allergen is then much less likely, although it is not completely ruled out. Symptoms can also come from another allergen that was not tested, or have a non-allergic cause.
After an abnormal result
The GP mainly looks at the history: which symptoms, when and where they occur and after contact with what. With a positive result and matching symptoms, advice usually follows to limit contact with the allergen and, if needed, medication. With a severe reaction, in case of doubt or with symptoms that are not brought under control this way, a referral to an allergist, pediatrician, ENT specialist or lung specialist may follow.
Reliability
How reliable is the test?
A positive IgE result shows sensitization, not allergy: it only says that there are antibodies, not that you get symptoms from them. The Dutch medical specialists' guideline (FMS) on upper airway allergy says this literally and recommends choosing a test for single allergens based on the history of the symptoms; for food allergy, the FMS guideline on food challenge testing calls the history of the symptoms the cornerstone of diagnosis and a food challenge in hospital the gold standard. The result therefore only means something if it fits when, where and after contact with what you get symptoms. A positive result without symptoms is not treated.
What can affect the result?
- Sensitization without symptoms is common; the result can only be interpreted together with the history of the symptoms.
- Related allergens can recognize each other's antibodies (cross-reaction), for example pollen and nuts or fruit; a positive result then does not mean that this particular allergen causes the symptoms.
- The test measures all proteins from the allergen source together; testing for individual proteins (components) can say more in case of doubt.
- Laboratories use different measurement methods and cut-off values; results from different labs cannot be compared one to one.
Who it is for
Who is the test useful for?
Useful for
Useful with a clear reaction after eating mussels or other shellfish, such as itching and swelling in the mouth and throat, hives, vomiting or shortness of breath; symptoms usually start within an hour. In people with a house dust mite allergy who eat mussels normally, the result can be positive due to cross-reaction without an allergy to mussels. In people who eat mussels without symptoms, the test adds nothing.
How common is it?
According to Stichting Voedselallergie, allergy to mollusks mainly occurs in people who already have an allergy to crustaceans. Symptoms usually start within an hour after eating; hives are the most common, but a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is also possible.
Stichting Voedselallergie (Dutch food allergy foundation); no Dutch prevalence figure has been checked
Get tested
IgE antibodies to mussel: test panels
IgE antibodies to mussel is part of these test panels. You order online and have your blood drawn at a collection point or collect the sample at home.
Evidence
Sources
This explanation is based on Dutch guidelines and independent information. It is general information, not a diagnosis. Discuss an abnormal result with your GP.
More about risks and results- NVKC, allesovertesten.nl: Allergie (RAST)
- FMS Richtlijnendatabase: Allergie van de bovenste luchtwegen, module Aanvullende diagnostiek
- FMS Richtlijnendatabase: Voedselprovocatie, module Plaatsbepaling diagnostiek voedselallergie
- Thuisarts.nl: Ik heb allergie
- NHG-Standaard Voedselovergevoeligheid en coeliakie (M47)
- Stichting Voedselallergie: Weekdieren
- Stichting Voedselallergie: Schaaldieren
- Thuisarts.nl: Ik denk dat ik niet tegen bepaald voedsel kan
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