At a glance

Also known as

Anti-Galactose alpha-1,3-Galactose; alpha-gal

Why get tested?
To help diagnose allergy to red meat
 
When to get tested?
When a doctor suspects that a patient may have an allergy to red meat
 
Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
 
Test preparation needed?
None

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of IgE anti-alpha-gal antibodies in the blood. Anti-alpha-gal IgG antibodies are present in all people and are not associated with any form of illness. IgE anti-apha-gal antbodies are much less common and are associated with allergy to red meat in the form of delayed (4-8 hours) systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The primary cause of this allergy is a reaction to be being bitten by a tick. In Australia the common paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus is the cause. In the US and Europe different types of ticks can cause this disease.
 
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
 
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
 

The Test

How is it used?

The anti-alpha-gal test is used to diagnose red meat allergy in people suspected of having this condition. IgE antibodies to red meats such as beef, lamb and pork may also be ordered at the same time.

When is it requested?

The test is usually requested when people develop symptoms after eating red meat.

What does the test result mean?

When significant amounts of IgE anti-alpha-gal are present in the blood, then allergy to red meat can be diagnosed. 

Is there anything else I should know?

People with red meat allergy are also likely to be allergic to the cancer drug Cetuximab.

Last Review Date: March 6, 2021


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