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HelpTEST ID APGAL Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile, Serum
Reporting Name
Alpha-Gal Panel, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
Other meat allergen IgE antibody tests may be considered in addition to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose IgE antibody testing in cases of suspected red meat allergy.
Method Name
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
|
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.34 |
Borderline/equivocal |
|
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6 |
≥100 |
Strongly positive |
Concentrations of 0.70 Ku/L or more (class 2 and above) will flag as abnormally high
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86003 x 4
86008
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Allergen Test Request (T236)
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
Useful For
As an aid in diagnosis of an IgE mediated hypersensitivity allergy to non-primate mammalian red meat, such as beef, pork, venison, and meat-derived products, such as gelatin, via allergen profile testing
This test is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists.
This test is not useful for patients in whom the medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity.
Highlights
The presence of IgE antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is associated with red meat allergy.
Individuals with IgE antibodies against alpha-gal might develop anaphylactic reactions to the drug cetuximab.
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALGAL | Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, IgE | Yes | Yes |
| BEEF | Beef, IgE | Yes | Yes |
| PORK | Pork, IgE | Yes | Yes |
| LAMB | Lamb, IgE | Yes | Yes |
| MILK | Milk, IgE | Yes | Yes |