Beef Allergy
What is Beef Allergy Test
Allergy beef test detects the presence of IgE antibodies in your blood. The presence of higher levels of IgE antibodies is an indication of allergy. Beef allergy is a prevalent type of food allergy that can result in serious allergic reactions in some people. Beef can cause an allergic reaction after ingestion or only from contact. Allergic reactions to beef can also happen through non-sexual contact such as after kissing someone who had just eaten beef. Therefore, undergoing a beef allergy test will confirm a beef allergy diagnosis and helps in the prevention of suffering from severe allergy-related complications.
Symptoms of Beef allergy
Symptoms of beef allergy usually occur within 6 hours of eating beef and may last for several weeks. The symptoms range from mild to severe forms and commonly include:
Headache
Skin rash
Stomach pain
Chest tightness
Coughing
Dizziness
Nausea
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Wheezing
Runny nose
Difficulty in breathing
Hives
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Who should get tested?
Beef allergy testing is recommended for individuals who are having the symptoms of an allergic reaction when the following food items are consumed:
Beef stock or broth
Bison
Buffalo
Gelatin made from by-products of meat
Certain vaccines made from beef broth
Some ice cream and yoghurt
Test Preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required for beef allergy test.
Interpretation of results
The relative amount of IgE antibodies to specific beef components can help identify the strength and type of allergenic response.
|
Class          |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
<0.35 |
Negative |
|
1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
> or =100 |
Strongly positive |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
- The likelihood of developing an allergic disease is increased by the presence of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater).
- Higher total IgE level is typically a sign that you have one or more allergies such as beef allergy.
- Elevated levels of IgE antibodies could also indicate the presence of conditions such as primary immunodeficiency, parasitic infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.
FAQs
What is the significance of beef allergy testing?
The beef allergy test screens your blood's concentration of IgE antibodies. These antibodies are an immunological reaction to particular allergens in beef. This test measures the immune system's reactions to the allergens in beef and may reveal a beef allergy.
What are the risks associated with the beef allergy test?
There are no known risks. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the IgE-based beef allergy blood test?
Test results of an IgE-based blood test are usually available after 2-3 working days. Test results might be mailed or made available online through health portals. Your doctor might also contact you by phone or email to go over your test findings or to arrange a follow-up appointment.
How does a beef allergy occur?
The muscle carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1, 3, is the main allergen in beef. An allergic person's immune system reacts when they consume beef or come into contact with it directly through the skin. The immune system creates IgE antibodies to fight off these allergens because it perceives certain proteins or chemicals as dangerous. Unfortunately, these antibodies lead to the release of the chemical histamine, which results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
What precautions should I take if I have beef allergy?
It is important to stay away from all beef and beef products in order to avoid an allergic reaction. Before consuming anything you haven't cooked yourself, always read the ingredients on the food label and ask questions about the components. Restaurants serving beef should be avoided because of the likelihood of food contamination. Going to beef markets and touching beef are likewise bad ideas. Staying near any location where beef is being cooked puts you in danger since the steam may include beef carbohydrates.
Also, avoid the following ingredients and foods in your day-to-day life:
- Beef Flavourings
- Beef gelatin is made from the skin and bones of beef
- Sirloin steak, rib steak, hanger steak, rib eye steak
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