The Mayo Clinic's Alpha-Gal Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile (APGAL) is a specialized diagnostic test that identifies IgE mediated hypersensitivity to non-primate mammalian meats. Employing Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA), this test accurately detects alpha-gal antibodies, providing crucial insights for those with suspected meat allergies. It is a vital tool for diagnosing allergic reactions to meats like beef, pork, and venison, as well as reactions to meat-derived products. With precise specimen requirements and a focus on accurate results, this screening is essential for effective allergy management and understanding potential drug allergies, such as reactions to cetuximab.
Click here to view sample APGAL screening Report:
Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile (APGAL)
The Alpha-Gal Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile is crucial for individuals with suspected red meat allergies, including beef, pork, venison, and meat-derived products like gelatin. It helps to determine the presence of IgE antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which are associated with red meat allergy. This test is particularly relevant for those who have experienced allergic reactions or even anaphylactic responses to these meats. It is also helpful in identifying potential allergic reactions to the drug cetuximab, which can occur in individuals with alpha-gal antibodies.
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Visit health-today.ca to explore the available health tests and packages. Health Today offers an innovative liquid biopsy to detect various cancer signatures simultaneously using a single blood sample. We also offer advanced lab screening to detect numerous conditions and deficiencies to provide insight into your current health and overall wellness. Read the descriptions of each advanced screening available and choose the test(s) you wish to take.
If you are on the page of a specific test, click the Book Now! button. If you are on the main page, click the Book Test tab at the top left corner of the page. If you want multiple tests completed, book one single appointment and additional tests can be added and paid for when you arrive. You will be asked to provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and preferred appointment time. If you are booking for family screenings, book one appointment for each member to ensure we have enough time dedicated to complete specimen collection for everyone.
When you book your screening appointment you will be charged a non-refundable booking fee to reserve your appointment slot so that we can continue to offer our clients the highest levels of care and sufficient time for collection. This fee will be applied to your selected screening at the time of your appointment. On the day of your scheduled booking, you can pay for the balance due for the test you selected and any additional screenings you choose on-site. This ensures that you only pay for the tests you receive, and you have the flexibility to add or remove tests as needed, based on your requirements and budget. We accept payment with debit or credit card.
On the day of your appointment, visit the designated health center to undergo the screening process. Your private labs testing will be completed at one of our partner clinics:
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The screening will involve sample collection, depending on the type of test(s) you have booked.
After the screening, the samples are securely packaged and sent to the laboratory for advanced analysis. The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by qualified professionals who are trained to perform the required tests accurately and efficiently. Depending on the shipping cycle and lab schedule for the private lab tests you selected, results are provided in 5-10 days. You will receive your test results via secure email within the specified timeframe.
Always share your results and consult your primary care physician before changing your medication or healthcare plan. Once our laboratory finishes analyzing your samples, they will provide you with a detailed report of your results. These results may be in a numerical or graphical format, test-dependent. The report will also give an analysis, explaining the implications for your health and well-being, which should provide your physician insight. While we strive to make the results clear and concise, guidance and examination from your primary care physician are essential to fully understanding the results and determining the appropriate next steps.
Utilizing Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA), this test provides highly accurate and sensitive results for the detection of alpha-gal antibodies. This advanced testing technique is critical for reliable diagnosis of meat allergies. It is not useful for patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine residual clinical sensitivity or in cases where medical management does not depend on the identification of allergen specificity. A minimum of 0.5 mL of serum is required, and the specimen should be collected in a serum gel tube or a red top tube and then aliquoted into a plastic vial.
