Allergy - Alpha Lactalbumin Milk Protein Test

Alpha-lactalbumin is the primary protein in human milk, and is therefore extremely important for infant nutrition. The structure of alpha-lactalbumin is well known and is composed of 123 amino acids and 4 disulfide bridges. The molecular weight of alpha-lactalbumin is 14.2K Daltons. Bovine alpha-lactalbumin has a high homology with human alpha-lactalbumin. Alpha-lactalbumin is a calcium-binding protein that may have a role in calcium transport. Alpha-lactalbumin is rich in the amino acid cysteine, which is a building block of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body that plays an important role in immunity. Alpha-lactalbumin is rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the neurosecretory hormone melatonin, which have been shown to play a role in regulating neurobehavioral effects such as appetite, sleeping-waking rhythm, pain perception, mood, anxiety and stress control.

No special preparation is needed for Milk allergy. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing Milk allergy. It’s a simple blood test so, it’s better not to eat past hour to get best results. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.

Milk allergy test is performed on a sample of blood to measure the level of amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies in the blood. It is performed to confirm Milk allergy and also during the treatment and after the treatment of Milk allergy.

Process of obtaining blood sample in adults: A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit) The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal