Test Code ALGAL Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal), IgE, Serum
Ordering Guidance
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies in Special Instructions
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Useful For
As an aid in diagnosis of an IgE mediated hypersensitivity allergy to non-primate mammalian red meat or meat-derived products 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)
Reporting Name
Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, IgESpecimen 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 ≥0.70 Ku/L (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 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86003
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ALGAL | Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, IgE | 73837-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ALGAL | Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, IgE | 73837-7 |