Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE details
What Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE shows
Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is a sugar molecule found in the meat and products of most mammals, such as beef, pork and lamb, and in some gelatin and medicines. In the US, sensitization to alpha-gal is linked mainly to bites from the lone star tick. This test measures IgE antibodies to alpha-gal to check for alpha-gal syndrome, in which reactions such as hives, digestive upset or anaphylaxis typically begin several hours after eating mammalian meat. A positive result shows sensitization, not necessarily allergy, so it is read against your symptoms and history. Because reactions are delayed, the connection to food can be easy to miss.
Tests that include Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE
The Galactose-alpha-1,3 galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE test more specifically defines the etiology of allergic responses to meat allergens in patients with a delayed onset of symptoms (3 to 6 hours after meal). IgE to Alpha-Gal is the likely cause of anaphylactic reactions in individuals who develop hypersensitivities to beef, pork and/or lamb as adults.
- Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE Measures IgE antibodies to alpha-gal, a sugar found in red meat, used to investigate delayed allergic reactions linked to tick bites.
This in vitro allergen-specific IgE panel is used to quantitatively measure an individual's IgE response to alpha-gal, an allergy component, and 3 meats (beef, pork, and lamb) that commonly trigger alpha-gal-associated meat allergy. This IgE panel may be used in conjunction with other clinical information to aid in the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergic reaction to mammalian meat induced by past tick bites [1].
- Beef (f27) IgE Measures IgE antibodies to beef, used to check for allergic sensitization that may explain your symptoms.
- Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE Measures IgE antibodies to alpha-gal, a sugar found in red meat, used to investigate delayed allergic reactions linked to tick bites.
- Lamb (f88) IgE Measures IgE antibodies to lamb meat to check for allergic sensitization, including as part of testing for alpha-gal (red meat) allergy.
- Pork (f26) IgE Measures IgE antibodies to pork, a meat allergen, often tested alongside alpha-gal to look into delayed reactions after eating red meat.
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