IgE Antibody to *Anisakis* (Serum)
This test measures your immune response to *Anisakis*, a type of parasitic worm that can sometimes infect humans after eating raw or undercooked fish or seafood. It helps identify if your body has produced antibodies against this parasite.
["This test may help diagnose infections caused by *Anisakis* larvae, which can lead to allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102140-1
- Short code
- ANIS
- Synonyms
- Anisakis IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.35
- Ref high
- 0.7
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) detecting IgE antibodies specific to Anisakis simplex antigens using a solid-phase immunosorbent assay with radiolabeled anti-IgE detection
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395112001
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for prolonged storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve recently eaten raw or undercooked seafood and experience symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, or allergic reactions (e.g., hives, swelling). It’s also used in cases where *Anisakis* infection is suspected but other tests (like stool or imaging) are inconclusive.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample from a simple venipuncture (blood draw). The test is typically done in a lab setting and may take a few days to return results.
What the Test Measures
The test detects IgE antibodies, a type of immune protein your body makes in response to allergens or infections. High levels may indicate an allergic reaction or past exposure to *Anisakis* larvae.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
A positive result suggests your immune system has recognized *Anisakis* as a foreign substance, possibly due to past exposure or an allergic reaction. However, false positives can occur, so results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35-0.70 kU/L; Positive: >0.70 kU/L. Results reported as presence (detected/not detected) per LOINC answer list.N/A
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Patients should continue antihistamines if prescribed, as discontinuation is not required for IgE antibody testing (unlike skin prick testing). Inform clinician of any recent parasitic infections or travel history to endemic areas.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgE to Anisakis
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test confirm an active infection?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy