Milk Antibodies IgG

Immunology

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Description

Sensitivity to cow's milk is typically seen in infants, about one month after the introduction of cow's milk into the diet. It is characterised by vomiting, prolonged diarrhoea, failure to thrive and sometimes atopic asthma and recurrent respiratory infection. The presence of circulating IgG antibodies to the milk proteins is consistent with such sensitivity but is very common and by no means diagnostic [1,2].

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Indications

Milk intolerance.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Alpha-lactalbumin: 0 - 20 mg/L in children under 10 years.
Beta-lactoglobulin: 0 - 30 mg/L in children under 10 years.
Casein: 0 - 50 mg/L in children under 10 years.

Adult ranges not established.

Reference ranges established in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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External Notes

The test is not diagnostic by itself. Results should not be used in isolation, but interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms, patient's history and any other available data. Levels of IgG antibodies to alpha-Lactalbumin, beta-Lactoglobulin and Casein may be short-lived and transient. Positive IgG antibodies reflect previous exposure; they do not prove current disease.

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References

Walker-Smith J. Cow's milk allergy: a new understanding from immunology. Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003. 90(6):81-83. [Ref 1]
Hidvegi E, et al. Serum Immunoglobulin E, IgA and IgG antibodies to different cow's milk proteins in children with cow's milk allergy: association with prognosis and clinical manifestations. Pediatr. Allergy Immunol. 2002. 13(4): 251-261. [Ref 2]

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.