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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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GALACTOSE-ALPHA-1,3-GALACTOSE (ALPHA-GAL) IGE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1175    Geisinger Epic ID:  52625

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

0.7 mL serum



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow to clot. Centrifuge and submit one (1) full 3.5 mL gold-top serum-separator tube. Aliquot also acceptable (0.7 mL minimum).


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated


Specimen stability: 

Stable seven (7) days at 2-8°C or six (6) months at -20°C.



TEST DETAILS
Interpretation guide: 

<0.10 kUa/L - Class 0 Allergen: Absence of Allergen Specific IgE 
0.10-0.34 kUa/L - Class 0/1 Allergen: Low Level of Allergen Specific IgE 
0.35-0.69 kUa/L - Class 1 Allergen: Low Level of Allergen Specific IgE 
0.70-3.49 kUa/L - Class 2 Allergen: Moderate Level of Allergen Specific IgE 
3.50-17.49 kUa/L - Class 3 Allergen: High Level of Allergen Specific IgE 
17.5-49.99 kUa/L - Class 4 Allergen: Very High Level of Allergen Specific IgE
50.0-99.99 kUa/L - Class 5 Allergen: Very High Level of Allergen Specific IgE
>=100 kUa/L - Class 6 Allergen: Very High Level of Allergen Specific IgE


CPT code(s):  86008
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Synonyms: 

Alpha-Gal


Clinical significance: 

The Galactose-alpha-1,3 galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE test more specifically defines the etiology of allergic responses to meat allergens in patients with a delayed onset of symptoms (3 to 6 hours after meal). IgE to Alpha-Gal is the likely cause of anaphylactic reactions in individuals who develop hypersensitivities to beef, pork and/or lamb as adults.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Review Date:  12/12/2024

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