Allergy, Pork
Allergy, Pork
Pork is the meat obtained from domesticated pigs and is the most widely consumed meat worldwide. The Pork Allergy Test is a blood test that measures the total allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) present in an individual’s blood. IgE is a type of antibody produced in response to an allergy by the body’s immune system. An undesirable immune reaction that occurs after ingesting pork and its products results in what is known as a "pork allergy".
Healthcare providers order this test to determine if you have an allergy to pork or its related products.
Symptoms of pork allergy
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Red patches and rashes
Dizziness
Test preparation
This allergy test does not need any special preparation
Interpretation of the Test Results
An allergy is typically indicated by a high level of IgE antibodies specific to Pork.
|
Class |
Levels of specific IgE – Kilo Units per Litre (kU/L) |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.31 |
Low/equivocal |
|
1 |
0.32-0.55 |
Low |
|
2 |
0.56-1.40 |
Moderate |
|
3 |
1.41-3.90 |
High |
|
4 |
3.91-19.0 |
Very High |
|
5 |
19.01-100.0 |
Very High |
|
6 |
> or =100 |
Very High |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· An elevated IgE level is indicative of an allergy to pork.
· Elevated levels of IgE antibodies could also indicate the presence of conditions such as primary immunodeficiency, parasitic infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a pork allergy test?
A sample of blood is collected from a vein in the arm using a small, fine needle. Usually, this process takes less than 5 minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for this test?
The results of this test can be obtained within 6 working days from the time of sample collection. However, it might take a little longer at times
Does allergy pork test involve any risks?
This test involves negligible risks. As with any other blood test, the allergy pork blood test may cause slight bruising or tenderness at the site of injection. This usually goes away on its own after a couple of minutes
How can I prevent future allergic reactions to pork?
The easiest and best way to prevent pork allergies is to avoid food items that contain pork. Pork in any form, such as ham, sausage, pates, bacon, and terrines, should be avoided
Is pork allergy curable?
No, pork allergies are not curable. If a person is allergic to pork, the individual can only manage the allergy symptoms. There is no permanent cure available.