Alpha-Gal Syndrome Allergy Panel

This panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood made by your immune system in response to alpha-Gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) and 3 red meat allergens: beef, lamb, and pork. Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)—aka alpha-Gal-associated red meat allergy or tick-bite meat allergy —is a type of serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat and other products made from mammals, like milk. Most people that become allergic to alpha-Gal have tolerated red meat for years before being sensitized by a tick bite. Thus, the condition typically begins when a tick bites someone and transmits alpha-Gal, a sugar molecule found in most mammals. This may trigger an immune response, which on subsequent exposure can cause mild to severe reactions after consumption of red meat, organ meats, and other products made from mammals.

IgE antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood, but larger amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens. This overreaction can cause your body to produce histamine and trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergies may be the cause of the following signs and symptoms, but you should discuss with your doctor to confirm. If you have any of the following, this test may be right for you:

• Abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Rash, welts, hives or eczema
• History of mild allergic reaction to a particular food
• Nasal congestion, wheezing or slight trouble breathing
• Runny nose
• Tingling, swelling, of the mouth, lips, tongue, face, throat or any other area

This test may not be right for you if you experience the following more severe symptoms. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION during your reaction. Seeing a specialist is recommend for more appropriate evaluation:

• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath/constriction and tightening of the airways
• A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe/swallow
• A severe drop in blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Feeling faint, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock)

Most allergic reactions occur within minutes, but some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to these allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person's blood pressure drops so severely that the body's cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Due to the severity of a possible allergic reaction, it's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to determine an optimal treatment and prevention plan.