Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE (Sendout)

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.

Ordering Note: Non-orderable Sendout battery included in package Galactose Alpha 1,3 Galactose, IgE (Sendout) [RALGAG].

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.

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.