Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Quick answers — Get mold allergy results in just 3–5 days without waiting for specialist appointments
- Confidential testing — Order online and access your results privately
- Actionable insights — Identify Chaetomium globosum sensitization to guide allergen avoidance and treatment decisions
- No referral needed — Schedule conveniently at your preferred lab location
- Proactive health — Early detection empowers you to reduce mold exposure and prevent respiratory flare-ups
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained asthma, rhinitis, or chronic respiratory symptoms
- People with known mold sensitivity seeking confirmation of specific allergen triggers
- Those living or working in damp, humid, or water-damaged environments
- Anyone wanting preventive allergy screening for indoor mold exposure
- Patients monitoring allergy status during immunotherapy or environmental control efforts
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor's note required; select your test and preferred lab location
- Visit the lab – Quick blood draw at a lab location near you
- Get results – Receive confidential results within 3–5 days in your online account
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects IgE antibodies specific to Chaetomium globosum mold, indicating sensitization or allergy to this common indoor mold species.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required. Avoid antihistamines 48–72 hours beforehand if possible for most accurate results (Mayo Clinic 2019).
How is the sample collected? A simple blood draw collects serum; the minimum volume needed is approximately 0.3–5 mL, depending on your lab.
What if my results are positive? Positive results indicate sensitization but must be reviewed with symptoms and exposure history for clinical diagnosis.
Can this test tell me how severe my allergy is? IgE levels show sensitization strength, but allergy severity requires clinical correlation with your symptoms and exposure patterns.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures specific IgE antibodies against Chaetomium globosum, a water-loving mold commonly found in damp indoor environments. When you inhale C. globosum spores, your immune system may produce IgE antibodies as part of an allergic response. Detecting these antibodies helps diagnose mold allergy and guides treatment decisions including allergen avoidance strategies and immunotherapy options (Mayo Clinic 2019).
C. globosum thrives in humid conditions and is frequently found in water-damaged buildings, carpets, ceiling tiles, drywall, and HVAC systems. It enters homes through open windows, vents, and can attach to clothing or pets. Once indoors, spores dissolve into moisture and become airborne allergens.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable if you experience allergic or respiratory symptoms potentially linked to mold exposure. Approximately 10–20% of patients with allergic respiratory diseases show sensitization to indoor molds including Chaetomium globosum (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2022).
You may benefit from testing if you have unexplained congestion, sneezing, runny nose, red or watery eyes, itching, hives, or wheezing. Those living in damp climates or water-damaged buildings should consider screening. This test also helps monitor known mold-sensitive patients during treatment or environmental remediation efforts.
When should I order the Chaetomium Globosum IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you suspect mold triggers your symptoms but need confirmation for diagnosis. Common scenarios include persistent respiratory issues despite treatment, new symptoms after moving to a humid environment, or when preparing an allergen avoidance plan. Testing helps distinguish mold allergy from other respiratory conditions and supports immunotherapy decisions (CDC 2023).
If you've had water damage or visible mold growth at home or work, testing provides baseline information even before symptoms appear. This proactive approach enables early intervention to reduce future respiratory complications.
How do I interpret the results?
Results report IgE antibody levels in kU/L (kilounits per liter). The lab uses immunoassay methods such as ImmunoCAP with a reporting cutoff of 0.10 kU/L (Mayo Clinic 2019).
IgE < 0.10 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative — No detectable sensitization
- Action: Mold allergy unlikely; explore other triggers
IgE 0.10–0.35 kU/L
- Meaning: Borderline — Minimal sensitization
- Action: Clinical correlation needed; monitor symptoms
IgE 0.36–0.70 kU/L
- Meaning: Low positive — Mild sensitization
- Action: Consider allergen avoidance; discuss with specialist
IgE 0.71–3.50 kU/L
- Meaning: Moderate positive — Clear sensitization
- Action: Implement environmental controls; consider immunotherapy
IgE 3.51–17.50 kU/L
- Meaning: High positive — Strong sensitization
- Action: Aggressive avoidance; immunotherapy recommended
IgE > 17.50 kU/L
- Meaning: Very high positive — Very strong sensitization
- Action: Comprehensive allergy management plan essential
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this blood test. However, antihistamine medications may interfere with results. If possible, stop taking antihistamines 48–72 hours before your blood draw. Consult your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medications (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Inform the lab staff about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses. No other special preparation is needed. The blood draw takes only minutes and requires standard venipuncture or capillary collection.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your allergy management goals and symptom patterns. Early identification and avoidance of mold allergens can reduce asthma exacerbations and allergy-related healthcare costs by up to 30% (CDC 2023).
- Initial allergy screening: One-time baseline test
- Monitoring during immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months or as prescribed
- After environmental remediation: 3–6 months post-remediation to assess exposure reduction
- New or worsening symptoms: As needed when symptoms change
- Routine allergy management: Annually or per specialist recommendation
Discuss testing frequency with your allergist based on your specific situation and treatment response.
Why early detection matters
Identifying mold sensitization early allows you to implement environmental controls before developing chronic respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to Chaetomium globosum can worsen asthma, trigger persistent rhinitis, and contribute to inflammatory airway disease (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2022).
In severe cases, mold exposure may cause anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Warning signs include rapid pulse, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness. Early testing helps you avoid dangerous exposure levels and work with your healthcare team on prevention strategies.
Proactive allergy management through testing reduces symptom burden, decreases medication needs, and improves quality of life. Understanding your specific allergen triggers empowers informed decisions about living environments and lifestyle modifications.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile, Mold IgE Blood Test — Screens for IgE antibodies to multiple common indoor and outdoor molds, providing broader environmental allergy context beyond Chaetomium alone.
Aspergillus fumigatus Allergy IgE Blood Test — Detects IgE sensitization to Aspergillus, a common indoor mold associated with respiratory allergy symptoms.
Alternaria alternata Allergy IgE Blood Test — Identifies allergy to Alternaria, a frequent outdoor and indoor mold linked to asthma and seasonal allergies.
