The Mayo Clinic's Alpha-Gal, IgE test (ALGAL) is a specialized screening designed to identify IgE mediated hypersensitivity to non-primate mammalian meats like beef, pork, and venison. Using the Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) method, this test accurately detects antibodies against alpha-gal, providing crucial insights for individuals with suspected red meat allergies. It's a vital diagnostic tool for understanding allergic reactions to certain meats and meat-derived products, including potential anaphylactic reactions to the drug cetuximab. With specific specimen requirements and detailed analysis, this screening is essential for effective allergy management and medical decision-making.
Click here to view sample APGAL screening Report:
Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile (APGAL)
The Alpha-Gal, IgE test is pivotal for those suspecting an allergy to red meat, including beef, pork, venison, and meat-derived products like gelatin. It identifies the presence of IgE antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which are linked to red meat allergies. This test is particularly important for individuals who may develop anaphylactic reactions to the drug cetuximab, which can occur in those with alpha-gal antibodies. It's an invaluable diagnostic tool for assessing allergic responses and guiding appropriate medical management​​.
We are committed to empowering our community to take control of their own comprehensive health and wellness by making access to the best resources for prevention, diagnosis, and care easy and affordable. Booking your advanced cancer screening and private lab tests is straightforward; simply follow the instructions below. If you have questions, connect with our team at (403) 475-0016 or through our online form.
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:
Signature Medical Centre in the SW
Future Smiles in the NE
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.
This screening utilizes Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) for accurate detection of alpha-gal IgE antibodies. This advanced method ensures high sensitivity and specificity, crucial for reliable allergy diagnosis. It's not useful for patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine residual clinical sensitivity or for those whose medical management does not rely on allergen specificity identification. A minimum of 0.3 mL of serum is required for the test, and the specimen should be collected in a serum gel tube or a red top tube and then aliquoted into a plastic vial.
