Pork Allergy IgE Blood Test

Link copied!

The pork allergy IgE blood test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to pork.

Compare

Quick Facts

Sample: Blood draw (serum)
Fasting: No fasting required
Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

Benefits

Identify pork allergy triggers — Detect specific IgE antibodies causing allergic reactions to pork
Skip doctor visits — Order directly online without physician referral or specialist appointment
Fast, accurate results — Get quantitative IgE levels within days using proven FEIA technology
Confidential testing — Secure online results delivered directly to online account within 3-5 days
Comprehensive allergy management — Confirm sensitization before starting immunotherapy or dietary changes
Emergency preparedness — Know your allergy status to prevent anaphylaxis and severe reactions

Who Is This Test For?

Individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating pork or pork products
People with suspected food allergies who need to identify specific allergen triggers
Those with recurrent hives, digestive issues, or respiratory symptoms following pork consumption
Individuals considering immunotherapy who need confirmed pork sensitization diagnosis
People bitten by Lone Star ticks who develop new meat allergy symptoms
Anyone with pork-cat syndrome suspicions (cross-reactive allergies between pork and cats)

How It Works – Just 3 Steps

Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days

FAQ

What does this test measure? It measures pork-specific IgE antibodies in your blood that cause immediate allergic reactions.

Can I eat pork before taking this test? Yes, you don't need to avoid pork or fast before testing. Recent exposure won't affect results.

Will this test show if I'm allergic to other meats? No, this test only detects pork-specific antibodies. Other meat allergies require separate testing.

What if I get a positive result but no symptoms? Positive results show sensitization but must be correlated with symptoms. Consult a physician for guidance.

How accurate is this blood test compared to skin testing? Both tests are highly sensitive for detecting sensitization and work best when used together (Mayo Clinic 2024).

Should I stop taking antihistamines before testing? No need to stop antihistamines for blood tests, but inform the lab about any medications you're taking.

More Details

What is the purpose of this test?

The Pork Allergy IgE Blood Test detects immunoglobulin E antibodies specific to pork proteins in your blood. These antibodies trigger immediate hypersensitivity reactions when you consume pork or pork-containing products. The test uses fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify your immune response and help establish a definitive pork allergy diagnosis (Marshfield Labs 2025).

Who would benefit from this test?

This test benefits anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after pork consumption, including unexplained hives, digestive problems, respiratory issues, or anaphylaxis. It's particularly valuable for individuals with unclear food allergy symptoms who need precise allergen identification. People considering immunotherapy for pork allergies also benefit from confirmed sensitization testing before treatment begins (PMC 2020).

When should I order a Pork Allergy IgE Blood Test?

Order this test when you experience recurrent allergic reactions suspected to be triggered by pork consumption. It's also recommended if you develop new meat allergy symptoms after a Lone Star tick bite, or if you have known cat allergies and suspect pork-cat syndrome. Consider testing before starting pork-specific immunotherapy or when creating comprehensive allergy management plans.

How do I interpret the results?

Results are reported as IgE classes or kU/L levels indicating your sensitization likelihood:

Class 0 (< 0.35 kU/L)

What it means: No sensitization detected
Typical action: No pork avoidance needed

Class 1 (0.35–0.7 kU/L)

What it means: Low sensitization
Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider avoidance

Class 2 (0.7–3.5 kU/L)

What it means: Moderate sensitization
Typical action: Likely avoid pork, consult physician

Class 3–6 (> 3.5 kU/L)

What it means: High sensitization
Typical action: Strict avoidance, carry epinephrine if prescribed

Remember: Positive results show sensitization but must be correlated with clinical symptoms for accurate allergy diagnosis.

Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

Pre-test preparation

No special preparation is required for this blood test. You don't need to fast or avoid pork before testing. However, inform the laboratory about any medications you're taking, especially antihistamines or immunotherapy treatments, as they may affect interpretation of results but won't invalidate the test.

How often should I get tested?

Initial diagnosis – Once for baseline measurement
Monitoring immunotherapy – Every 6–12 months during treatment
Symptoms persist despite avoidance – Annually or as symptoms change
Children with pork allergy – Every 1–2 years to monitor outgrowth

Why early detection matters

Early identification of pork allergies prevents severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis that can be life-threatening. Approximately 1-2% of adults with food allergies have meat allergies, including pork (PMC 2020). Accurate diagnosis enables proper dietary management, emergency preparedness with epinephrine auto-injectors when needed, and reduces healthcare costs from emergency room visits and hospitalizations.