What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing delayed allergic reactions several hours after eating red meat like beef, pork, or lamb. Symptoms can include hives, itching, swelling, stomach pain, diarrhea, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Many people discover they need this test after developing sudden reactions to meats they've eaten their whole lives, often following a tick bite.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining your IgE levels to beef, pork, lamb, and Alpha-Gal, and what they mean for your diet and health. These notes include personalized recommendations on which meats to avoid, how to read food labels for hidden mammal products, and strategies for preventing future reactions. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature to see if sensitivity changes.

What's included in this test?

This panel measures Beef (f27) IgE, Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE, Lamb (f88) IgE, and Pork (f26) IgE. This panel measures your IgE antibody levels to beef, pork, and lamb, which indicate specific allergic reactions to these red meats. It also tests for Alpha-Gal (Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose) antibodies, a unique sugar molecule found in mammalian meat that causes delayed allergic reactions, often triggered by Lone Star tick bites. Together, these measurements help identify whether you have Alpha-Gal Syndrome or specific red meat allergies that require dietary changes.

How should I prepare for this test?

There are no special preparation requirements for this test. You don't need to fast before your blood draw, and you can take your regular medications. It's helpful to get tested even if you haven't eaten red meat recently, as the IgE antibodies remain in your blood regardless of recent diet.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account. If results require urgent attention, the lab will contact you sooner.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone experiencing unexplained allergic reactions 3-8 hours after eating red meat, especially if you've been bitten by a Lone Star tick or live in areas where these ticks are common. It's also important for people who've developed sudden hives, digestive issues, or breathing problems after meals containing beef, pork, or lamb. Even if you've eaten these meats your entire life without issue, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can develop suddenly after a tick bite.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include delayed reactions (typically 3-8 hours after eating) such as hives, itching, swelling of the lips or throat, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea after consuming red meat. Some people experience more severe reactions like difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, or anaphylaxis. The delayed nature of these reactions makes them different from typical food allergies and can be confusing to identify without testing.

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

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy to red meat and other products made from mammals, caused by a bite from the Lone Star tick. The tick's saliva introduces a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose into your body, which triggers your immune system to create antibodies against it. Since this same sugar is found in mammalian meat, your body reacts when you eat beef, pork, or lamb, causing delayed allergic reactions that can range from mild to life-threatening.

What does a positive Alpha-Gal result mean?

A positive Alpha-Gal IgE result means you have antibodies against the Alpha-Gal sugar molecule, indicating you're likely allergic to red meat from mammals. This typically means you'll need to avoid beef, pork, lamb, and sometimes dairy products or gelatin, depending on your sensitivity level. The severity can vary from person to person, so your doctor will help you understand which foods to eliminate and how to manage potential reactions.

How can I manage Alpha-Gal Syndrome through diet?

Managing Alpha-Gal requires strictly avoiding mammalian meat products including beef, pork, lamb, venison, and sometimes dairy depending on your sensitivity. Focus on poultry (chicken, turkey), fish, and plant-based proteins instead. Always read labels carefully as mammalian products hide in unexpected places like gelatin, some medications, and processed foods. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed, and inform restaurants about your allergy when dining out.

How often should I retest for Alpha-Gal antibodies?

If you test positive for Alpha-Gal, your doctor may recommend retesting every 1-2 years to monitor antibody levels, as they can decrease over time in some people if you avoid additional tick bites. If you've had a recent tick bite or experience changing symptoms, retesting sooner may be appropriate. Some people find their sensitivity decreases after several years of avoiding red meat and preventing new tick exposures, while others maintain elevated levels indefinitely.

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.

Red Meat Allergy Test - Alpha-Gal Syndrome Check

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

[email protected]

Blood Test for Red Meat Allergy and Food Reactions

Alpha-Gal Panel

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

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Blood Test for Red Meat Allergy and Food Reactions

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

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