Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE (Sendout)
Lab Code
RALGAG
Epic Name
Galactose-Alpha-1, 3-Galactose, IgE (Sendout)
External Test Id
ALGAL
Description

Useful For:

  • As an aid in diagnosis of an IgE mediated hypersensitivity allergy to red meat or meat-derived products such as beef, pork, venison, and gelatin
  • 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.
  • 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.
Synonyms
ALGAL, alpha gal, Alpha Gal IgE, Alpha-Gal, alphagal, Galactose IgE, Galactose-alpha-1 3
Components
Code Name
RALGAL Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE (Sendout)
RALGLI Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE
UW438 Imm Study_Alpha Gal IgE

Interpretation

Method

Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes
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 > or =100 Strongly positive

Concentrations > or =0.70 Ku/L (Class 2 and above) will flag as abnormally high. Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation:

Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater) indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.

The level of IgE antibodies in serum varies directly with the concentration of IgE antibodies expressed as a class score or kU/L.

Interferences and Limitations

Cautions:

Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, and results must be interpreted in the clinical context.

False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases.

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

3 mL blood in RED TOP tube or GOLD SST

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 90 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Quantity
Requested: 0.5 mL serum + 0.5 mL serum for UW438
Minimum: 0.5 mL serum

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to two separate plastic vials. If sample volume is low, prioritize the sendout test.

  • RALGAL: Store serum refrigerated in the Mayo Sendouts rack (95).
  • UW438: Store serum frozen in Immunology -70°C rack (44).

Sendouts:

  • Order Mayo Test: ALGAL.
  • Interfaced: Yes.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 90 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
Performed: Monday - Friday. Report Available: 1-3 days.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Mayo Clinic Laboratories (Superior Drive)
800-533-1710

3050 Superior Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
86008
LOINC
73837-7
Interfaced Order Code
UOW5833