Description
An Alpha-GAL IgE test is ordered to diagnose a potential allergy to red meat, specifically caused by a molecule called "alpha-gal" (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose), which is found in most mammalian meat, and is often triggered by a tick bite, leading to a delayed allergic reaction after consuming red meat like beef, pork, or lamb; this test is particularly useful when a patient experiences symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating red meat, with a delayed onset of symptoms several hours after consumption.
What it is
- AGS is an allergy to alpha-gal, a sugar found in most mammals, but not humans or other primates. It's also known as red meat allergy, tick bite meat allergy, or mammalian meat allergy.
How it's caused
- AGS is caused by a tick bite, most commonly from the Lone Star tick in the US. When a tick bites a person, it transfers alpha-gal into the person's bloodstream, causing the body to produce antibodies to fight the sugar.
Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and include:
- Severe stomach pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids
Fasting not required.
