This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to crab in a person's blood. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to an allergen, such as crab proteins.
Someone would have this test done if they suspect they have a crab allergy or if they have experienced symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal distress after consuming crab. The test helps in diagnosing crab allergies and determining the severity of the allergic reaction. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of allergy treatments or to assess if someone has outgrown their crab allergy.