How to Test for an Allergy to Iodine

The most common allergic reaction associated with iodine is actually caused by muscle protein in shellfish. An allergic reaction to shellfish can be serious, but a fairly simple test administered by a medical professional can diagnose this allergy and help you avoid exposure. Here's what to do if you feel you need to be tested for an allergy to shellfish.

Instructions

• 1

  Follow whatever procedure is required by your health insurance provider for referral to an allergen specialist.

• 2

  Contact the allergist and ask what process he uses to test for shellfish allergies.

• 3

  Testing for an allergy to shellfish can take one of three forms: scratch, intradermal, or patch. It's best to know which test your selected allergist uses so you can be prepared. A scratch test is administered by applying a small amount of concentrated allergen to the skin and then scratching or pricking the application site for skin cell exposure. The intradermal test requires injection of the allergen concentrate into the upper layer of the skin and the patch test requires surface skin application of the allergen in patch form for prolonged exposure, sometimes lasting up to two or three days.

• 4

  Inform your allergist of any prescription or over the counter antihistamines you are taking. He or she may want you to stop taking any such medication to keep it from skewing the results of your test. Verify how long you should be off of any such medication before your test so you can schedule your test accordingly.

• 5

  Verify whether your allergist will administer an antihistamine after the scratch or intradermal test. If not, ask if you can take a medication when you get home should the test leave you feeling uncomfortable.

• 6

  Schedule your shellfish allergy test for a time when you can go home afterward, in case the test provokes an uncomfortable allergic reaction to the shellfish concentrate applied to your skin.

• 7

  Make certain you understand exactly what the test confirms you are allergic to so you can avoid that substance. Does the test differentiate between types or species of shellfish, or are you generally allergic to all shellfish? Answering this question is important because cross contamination can easily occur in restaurants that serve both shellfish and regular fish, or that use the same oil to fry shellfish and other items, such as French fries or hush puppies.

• 8

  Ask your doctor if you are at risk for a reaction to airborne shellfish allergens. Simply walking into a fish market, a meat market that also sells shellfish or a supermarket with its own fish section can be dangerous for you if your sensitivity to the shellfish allergen is extreme.