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Alpha-Lactalbumin IgG Antibody, Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures IgG antibodies against alpha-lactalbumin, a cow's-milk protein, to help assess immune exposure or sensitivity.

Quick summary

["This test measures the immune response to alpha-lactalbumin but cannot diagnose milk allergy by itself."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
63418-8
Short code
A-Lactalb IgG-mCnc
Synonyms
A-Lactalb IgG-mCnc
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This blood test measures the amount of IgG antibodies directed against alpha-lactalbumin, a protein found in cow's milk. It is sometimes described as a food-specific IgG test.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order it when evaluating a possible reaction to cow's-milk protein, documenting immune exposure, or investigating symptoms associated with milk. It may be used with other clinical and allergy information rather than as a stand-alone diagnostic test.

How is the test performed?

A laboratory analyzes a patient sample using a test designed to detect and quantify alpha-lactalbumin-specific IgG antibodies. The specimen type and laboratory method depend on the test ordered.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required. Follow any instructions from your clinician or laboratory, and tell the healthcare provider if you have a known milk allergy or recently changed your milk intake.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Alpha-Lactalbumin IgG

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive alpha-lactalbumin IgG result mean I am allergic to milk?
No. Alpha-lactalbumin-specific IgG shows immune exposure but does not prove that milk causes symptoms or allergy. Allergy evaluation may also involve symptoms, other tests, and sometimes milk-specific IgE testing.
What is alpha-lactalbumin?
Alpha-lactalbumin is a whey protein found in cow's milk. It is one of several milk proteins that can trigger an immune or allergic response in some people.
Should I avoid milk before this test?
Usually, you should not deliberately stop eating milk unless your clinician advises you to. A record of recent milk intake may help the clinician interpret the result, and medically necessary avoidance should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy