Lamb (Meat) Allergy IgE Blood Test

The lamb (meat) allergy IgE blood test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to lamb meat.

Description

Order a lamb (meat) allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to lamb meat. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.

A lamb allergy is relatively uncommon compared to an allergy to eggs, cow's milk, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, and fish. An allergy to lamb can develop at any point in life and is usually associated with alpha galactose (alpha-gal). Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate particle present in most red meat, including beef, lamb, and pork. 

An allergy to lamb triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions. Common symptoms of a lamb allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Headaches
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itching or hives
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Swelling of throat, tongue, face, lips, or other body parts
• In severe cases, anaphylaxis