Scallops

Phadia’s F338 test is used to detect blood levels of the IgE (antibodies) responsible for allergic reactions to scallops. Although some people may be allergic only to scallops or molluscs (clams, blue mussels, squid, etc.), many are also allergic to crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crayfish, etc.), and multiple seafood allergies are common. The interpretation chart accompanying the result expresses the probability of an allergic reaction to scallops (and possibly other seafood), but not necessarily the severity of the reaction. Case history (symptoms, relation to meals, etc.) and clinical examination by the physician are essential for a reliable interpretation of the results.

A negative anti-scallop IgE result (< 0.35 kU/L) indicates that scallops are probably not responsible for the symptoms reported by the person, but it DOES NOT COMPLETELY RULE OUT THIS POSSIBILITY. Both negative and positive results must be interpreted in light of the case history. In more complex cases, the double-blind oral food challenge under medical supervision remains the definitive technique for confirming the presence or absence of an allergy to scallops. Unlike milk and egg white allergies, which many children outgrow, the hypersensitivity to scallops and other seafood tends to develop in adulthood and persist for life.