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Anisakis simplex-specific IgE antibody, serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody your body makes against Anisakis, a parasitic worm found in some raw or undercooked seafood. It helps your healthcare provider evaluate whether your symptoms may be related to an allergic reaction to Anisakis.

Quick summary

["A positive result can support a diagnosis of Anisakis allergy but must be interpreted together with your symptoms, exposure history, and other test results."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
64985-5
Short code
ANIS
Synonyms
Anisakis (rAni s) 1 IgE Qn
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST), red-top tube, or tiger-top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.35
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
CPT
86003
SNOMED
395130002
Specimen volume
0.5-1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.3 mL)
Stability
Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What Is Being Tested?

The test looks for specific IgE antibodies that your immune system may produce after exposure to Anisakis, a roundworm that can live in fish and squid. These antibodies are part of the allergic response and can be detected in a blood sample even when you are not currently having symptoms.

How the Sample Is Collected

A healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is tested for Anisakis-specific IgE. No special preparation is typically required unless your provider instructs otherwise.

Understanding Your Results

Results are usually reported as a level of specific IgE, sometimes with a class or cutoff indicating negative or positive. A positive result suggests sensitization to Anisakis, but it does not by itself prove that your symptoms are caused by an allergy. Your provider will interpret the result alongside your medical history and other findings.

When This Test May Be Ordered

Your provider may order this test if you have allergic-type symptoms after eating raw or undercooked fish or squid, or if other causes of allergy or parasitic infection have not been ruled out. It may be used together with tests for other allergens or infections.

Reference range

<0.10 kU/L: Negative/Undetectable; 0.10-0.35 kU/L: Borderline/Equivocal; 0.35-0.70 kU/L: Low positive (Class 2); 0.70-3.50 kU/L: Moderate positive (Class 3); 3.50-17.5 kU/L: High positive (Class 4); 17.5-50 kU/L: Very high positive (Class 5); >50 kU/L: Extremely high positive (Class 6)N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. No special patient preparation needed. Patients on antihistamine therapy may still produce detectable IgE antibodies; cessation of antihistamines is generally not required for IgE testing as this measures circulating antibodies, not skin reactivity. Patient should be informed that recent parasitic infections or consumption of raw/undercooked fish (sushi, ceviche, marinated anchovies) may influence results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Anisakis IgE

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
In most cases, fasting is not required for an allergy blood test. Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
Can a positive result mean I definitely have an Anisakis allergy?
No. A positive result shows sensitization, meaning your body has made IgE antibodies against Anisakis. Your provider will consider your symptoms, eating history, and other results to decide whether this reflects a true allergy.
Does a negative result rule out Anisakis allergy?
A negative result makes an IgE-mediated Anisakis allergy less likely but does not always rule it out. Your provider will interpret the result in the context of your overall evaluation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy