Question 1

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy that causes severe reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. It is caused by tick bites, particularly from the Lone Star tick, which trigger the production of IgE antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha-Gal). The Alpha-Gal Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures these specific IgE antibodies.

Question 2

What causes Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is caused by bites from the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and other tick species that introduce galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose into the bloodstream. When the tick bites, it transfers this sugar molecule, which prompts your immune system to produce IgE antibodies against Alpha-Gal. This sensitization leads to allergic reactions when you later consume red meat or other mammalian products containing the same sugar molecule, triggering symptoms that can range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Question 3

What is the best test for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Alpha-Gal Panel is the most important test for Alpha-Gal Syndrome because it specifically measures IgE antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. This blood test directly detects the immune response that causes allergic reactions to red meat, pork, lamb, and other mammalian products. Unlike general allergy tests, the Alpha-Gal Panel pinpoints this unique tick-bite associated allergy, making it essential for confirming the diagnosis in people experiencing delayed reactions after eating mammalian meat. The test is particularly valuable because Alpha-Gal reactions can occur hours after eating, making them difficult to identify without specific antibody testing.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience delayed allergic reactions 3-6 hours after eating red meat, especially if you have a history of tick bites. Common warning signs include hives, itching, digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea, swelling of the lips or throat, or difficulty breathing several hours after consuming beef, pork, or lamb. Testing is particularly important if you live in or have visited areas with Lone Star ticks, such as the southeastern United States, and have noticed that reactions occur consistently after eating mammalian meat products.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-Gal Syndrome symptoms typically appear 3-6 hours after consuming red meat or mammalian products. Common symptoms include hives or itchy skin, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and indigestion. More severe reactions can include swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and dizziness. The delayed nature of these symptoms distinguishes Alpha-Gal Syndrome from other food allergies, which usually cause immediate reactions within minutes.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People who spend time outdoors in areas where Lone Star ticks are prevalent face the highest risk for Alpha-Gal Syndrome. The condition is most common in the southeastern United States but has been reported across the country and in other parts of the world. Outdoor workers, hunters, hikers, and anyone with frequent tick exposure are at increased risk. Multiple tick bites can increase the likelihood of developing the syndrome, and the condition can affect people of all ages who have been bitten by carrier ticks.

Question 7

What happens if Alpha-Gal Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Alpha-Gal Syndrome is left undiagnosed or untreated, you risk experiencing repeated and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions each time you consume mammalian meat or products. Without proper identification and management, reactions can escalate in severity, leading to anaphylaxis that requires emergency medical intervention. Continued exposure to trigger foods can worsen your sensitivity over time, and you may also react to other mammalian products like dairy, gelatin, or certain medications derived from mammals, putting you at risk during medical treatments or procedures.

Question 8

Can Alpha-Gal Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures IgE antibodies specific to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. The Alpha-Gal Panel is the gold standard diagnostic tool because it directly detects the antibodies responsible for allergic reactions to mammalian meat. This blood test is more reliable than skin testing for Alpha-Gal and provides quantitative results that help confirm the diagnosis when combined with your clinical history of delayed reactions after eating red meat.

Question 9

How is Alpha-Gal Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is primarily treated by strict avoidance of mammalian meat and products, including beef, pork, lamb, and sometimes dairy depending on your sensitivity level. Your doctor will prescribe emergency epinephrine auto-injectors that you should carry at all times in case of accidental exposure and severe reactions. Antihistamines can help manage mild symptoms, but anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine administration. Working with an allergist to identify all trigger foods and creating an emergency action plan are essential components of treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent Alpha-Gal Syndrome by avoiding tick bites through protective measures when spending time outdoors. Wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and treat clothing with permethrin. Stay on cleared trails and avoid brushy areas where ticks are common. After outdoor activities, perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets, and shower within two hours of coming indoors. Promptly remove any attached ticks using fine-tipped tweezers to reduce the risk of sensitization.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, carefully read all food labels to avoid mammalian meat and hidden ingredients like gelatin, which can trigger reactions. Stock your kitchen with safe alternatives like poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins. Keep your prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors accessible at all times and ensure family members know how to use them in an emergency. Maintain a food diary to track reactions and identify trigger foods, and inform guests and restaurants about your allergy when eating away from home to prevent accidental exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.
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Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Alpha-Gal Syndrome Blood Test

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

What causes Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

What is the best test for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

References

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