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HelpOrderable Name ALGAL Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal), IgE, Serum
Additional Codes
CNE Order Code: Alpha-Gal
Ordering 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: 0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
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 (eg, 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.
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.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL
For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
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 daysCPT Code Information
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)