What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you've experienced delayed allergic reactions (3-6 hours after eating) to red meat like beef, pork, or lamb. It helps identify Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by tick bites that causes symptoms like hives, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or even severe reactions. Many people use this test when they suspect their symptoms are related to eating mammalian meat but want concrete answers.

How should I prepare for this test?

There are no special instructions or requirements for this test. No fasting is needed, and you can take your regular medications. You can have the blood drawn at your convenience without any specific preparation.

What's included in this test?

This panel measures your IgE antibody response to Alpha-Gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) and three common red meats: beef, pork, and lamb. These measurements work together to confirm Alpha-Gal Syndrome diagnosis by showing if your immune system is reacting to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in mammalian meat. This comprehensive approach helps identify which specific meats trigger your allergic reactions and the severity of your sensitivity.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your IgE antibody levels mean for each meat tested and Alpha-Gal. These notes include personalized recommendations like which foods to avoid, how to manage your allergy, and whether you should carry emergency medication. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature to monitor how your allergy evolves.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone experiencing delayed allergic reactions after eating red meat, especially if you live in or have visited areas with tick populations like the southeastern United States. It's also recommended if you've had unexplained hives, digestive issues, or breathing problems several hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb, particularly if you've been bitten by a lone star tick or other tick species.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Look for allergic reactions that occur 3-6 hours after eating red meat, including hives or skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea. More serious symptoms can include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling of the lips or throat. If you notice these delayed reactions consistently after eating beef, pork, or lamb, this test can help confirm Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

How can I manage Alpha-Gal allergy through diet?

The primary management strategy is avoiding mammalian meat including beef, pork, lamb, venison, and other red meats. You can safely eat poultry like chicken and turkey, fish, and plant-based proteins. Check labels carefully as some products contain mammalian ingredients like gelatin, and be aware that dairy products may also trigger reactions in some people with severe Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome and why does it matter?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy to red meat caused by a bite from certain ticks, most commonly the lone star tick. The tick bite causes your immune system to create antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a sugar molecule found in mammalian meat. Unlike typical food allergies that cause immediate reactions, Alpha-Gal reactions are delayed by 3-6 hours, making them harder to identify without proper testing.

What do positive IgE results mean?

Positive IgE antibodies to Alpha-Gal or specific meats indicate your immune system is sensitized and may react when you consume those foods. Higher IgE levels generally suggest stronger allergic reactions and increased risk of severe symptoms. Your doctor will interpret these results alongside your symptoms and history to determine which foods you should avoid and whether you need emergency medication like an epinephrine auto-injector.

How often should I retest for Alpha-Gal?

If you've been diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome, your doctor may recommend retesting every 1-2 years to monitor antibody levels, as some people's sensitivity can decrease over time. However, even if antibody levels drop, you should only reintroduce red meat under medical supervision. If you have continued tick exposure, more frequent monitoring may be recommended since additional bites can maintain or increase sensitivity.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Alpha-Gal Test - Red Meat Allergy After Tick Bites

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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