Chicken Serum Albumin (nGal d) IgE Antibody Blood Test
This blood test measures IgE antibodies against chicken serum albumin (nGal d), a protein found in chicken meat and eggs. It helps your doctor diagnose bird-egg syndrome and related allergic reactions to chicken or eggs.
{"Measures IgE antibodies specific to chicken serum albumin (nGal d 5)","Used to diagnose bird-egg syndrome and chicken-related food allergies","Involves a simple blood draw with no special preparation needed","Results help guide dietary recommendations and treatment plans","May be relevant for patients with unexplained allergic symptoms"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 65785-8
- Short code
- nGal d 5 IgE
- Synonyms
- Chicken CSA (nGal d) 5 IgE Qn
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 25
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., ImmunoCAP, ELISA)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 424549002
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 40
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to chicken serum albumin, also known as nGal d or Gal d 5. It is performed on a blood serum sample. Chicken serum albumin is a protein found in chicken meat and eggs, and some people develop allergic reactions to it.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a food allergy, such as hives, itching, swelling, or digestive problems after eating chicken, eggs, or foods containing these ingredients. It is particularly useful for diagnosing bird-egg syndrome, where individuals allergic to bird proteins (like from pet birds) also react to eggs. The test may also be ordered as part of a cardiac workup if an allergic/inflammatory component is suspected.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence and quantity of IgE antibodies specific to chicken serum albumin. You do not need to fast or stop any medications before this test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as a numerical value indicating the level of IgE antibodies present. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your clinical symptoms and medical history. A positive result indicates sensitization to chicken serum albumin, which may suggest an allergy. However, clinical correlation is essential as some people may have positive tests without experiencing symptoms.
Reference range
NCBI: CK 25-200 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Patient may continue current medications unless otherwise instructed by physician. Avoid antihistamines or immunosuppressive drugs if clinically appropriate, but follow physician guidance.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to diagnose Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reactions to chicken serum albumin. It is a key component in identifying bird-egg syndrome, a condition where sensitization to bird allergens (from feathers, droppings, or dust) leads to cross-reactivity with egg allergens. In cardiac patients, while not a direct cardiac test, understanding allergic components may be relevant for certain cardiomyopathies or pericardial conditions where inflammatory or autoimmune mechanisms are being investigated.
Positive results help guide dietary management and avoidance strategies. For patients with confirmed chicken albumin allergy, avoiding chicken meat, eggs, and products containing these ingredients is recommended. In severe cases, emergency action plans and epinephrine prescriptions may be necessary. This test may also be used to monitor allergy progression or response to treatment in follow-up assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do high IgE levels mean?
Do I need to avoid chicken or eggs before the test?
Can this test be done in children?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy