Alpha-Gal Testing: Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., M.D.

Answers from the Lab

English - November 17, 2020 06:01 - 8 minutes - 7.9 MB
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Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., M.D., explains how humans can develop an allergy to the alpha-gal molecule, and he describes a new allergen antibody test that can be used to detect it. Dr. Bornhorst also reviews other tests that should be used in conjunction with alpha-gal testing to accurately identify the scope and underlying cause of the allergy.

(00:41)
Dr. Bornhorst, could you provide our listeners with a little bit about you and your background?
(01:15)
Can you provide a brief overview of the alpha-gal galactose-alpha 1,3 galactose assay?

(04:19)
So I understand that most people obtain this allergy primarily from ticks and meat-derived products, and that it can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and other unpleasant reactions. With that being said, can you tell us which patients should have this testing?

(06:11)
Do you know if there are other testing options available?

(07:17)
Can you share what factors determine which tests should be used and when?