Allergen, Individual-Food Lamb Test

Lamb meat is a popular food item in most parts of the world. Certain people are, however, allergic to it. Chances are, if a person is allergic to one kind of meat, he will be allergic to all other types of meat. Symptoms of Lamb meat allergy include stuffy nose, nausea, skin rash, indigestion, sneezing, headache. When triggered, the patient's blood sees a rise in the number of IgE antibodies. Diagnosis of the allergy therefore commonly involves counting of these antibodies through a blood sample.

The most common tests prescribed by allergists to diagnose food allergies are the blood test and the skin prick test. Blood Test: no specific preparation is required. It is recommended that the patient wear a short sleeved shirt. Skin Prick Test: no specific preparation is required. However, the patient may experience a slight discomfort during the procedure. The allergist should be informed of any medications being taken by the patient, particularly those involving Histamine.

Though not a confirmatory test, these practices can narrow down the possibility of an allergy. A higher than normal count of IgE antibodies in the patient's blood sample can indicate allergy to lamb meat. Formation of a wheal (mosquito bite like bump) at the site of the skin prick test indicates possibility of allergy to lamb meat. Coupled with a patient's medical history, presence of an allergy can be confirmed.

For Blood Test: The patient's arm will be cleaned with an alcohol swab. A sterile needle will be inserted into the vein. About 2 ml blood will be drawn from the arm of the patient. The site will be cleaned using a cotton swab.

For Skin Prick Test: The patient's arm or back will be cleaned with an alcohol swab. A sterile needle containing a small amount of lamb meat allergen will be inserted. The patient may experience discomfort if a wheal arises on the site.