Thermo Fisher Scientific has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ImmunoCap Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) alpha-Gal Allergen Component test to help diagnose red meat allergies.
The IgE blood test identifies antibodies to alpha-Gal, a carbohydrate found in beef, pork, and lamb. An alpha-Gal allergy can be difficult to diagnose because reactions can develop hours after eating meat, and skin prick tests can often produce negative or weak results.
IgE blood tests can be used by many patients, including those of all ages and who are pregnant. They have been previously used to identify allergic sensitivities to environmental, food, and bee and wasp allergens, the company noted.
