Key points
- Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is diagnosed using a detailed patient history, physical examination, and a blood test.
- Allergy skin testing may also be used to diagnose AGS.
- AGS is not a nationally notifiable condition, but ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø encourages jurisdictions to share information on AGS.
Recommended tests
The main diagnostic test for AGS is a blood test looking for immunoglobulin-E antibodies specific to alpha-gal (alpha-gal sIgE).
- Tests for alpha-gal sIgE antibodies are available at several large commercial laboratories.
- Tests also may be available at some academic institutions.
- LOINC Code: 73837-7 Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE Ab [Units/volume] in Serum.
- LOINC Code: 73837-7 Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE Ab [Units/volume] in Serum.
- Skin tests for reactions to allergens like pork or beef may also be used to diagnose AGS.
Diagnosis
AGS is diagnosed through a detailed patient history, physical examination, and a blood test. The blood test looks for specific IgE antibodies the immune system produces in response to alpha-gal.
Allergy skin testing may also be used to help diagnose AGS.
Reporting cases
AGS is not a nationally notifiable condition; however, your state may require reporting. Please check with your state and local health departments about reportable diseases. All jurisdictions are encouraged to share information on AGS with members of ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch to better understand national trends.
Alpha-gal Syndrome Case Report Form [PDF – 2 pages]
To submit case report forms for AGS, email the case report form to [email protected] or fax it to 1-404-471-2737.
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) approved a position statement standardizing a case definition for alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in 2021. The case definition is for surveillance purposes only and does not replace a clinical diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
A standard surveillance case definition provides consistent laboratory and clinical criteria to ensure that data captured across multiple jurisdictions are comparable.