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
- Pinpoint your mold sensitivity — Know if Cladosporium herbarum triggers your respiratory or skin symptoms
- Skip the specialist wait — Order directly online and collect your sample at a convenient location
- Guide targeted treatment — Confirm sensitization before starting allergen immunotherapy or adjusting medications
- Take control of your environment — Use results to implement effective mold avoidance strategies at home
- Reduce asthma flare-ups — Early identification helps prevent costly respiratory complications and improves quality of life
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes worsening in damp or moldy environments
- People with asthma symptoms that intensify during mold seasons or in humid areas
- Those living or working in buildings with known mold growth or water damage
- Individuals preparing for allergy immunotherapy who need confirmed sensitization data
- Farmers, gardeners, or outdoor workers frequently exposed to mold spores
- People with unexplained respiratory issues or skin reactions after mold exposure
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 specific IgE antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum mold, confirming whether you are sensitized to this allergen.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required, though inform your provider if you take antihistamines or other allergy medications.
How accurate is the ImmunoCAP method? This fluorescence enzyme immunoassay is considered the gold standard for IgE testing with high sensitivity and specificity.
Can I use the results to start immunotherapy? Yes, confirming sensitization is essential before beginning allergen immunotherapy to ensure targeted treatment.
What if my results are positive? Discuss findings with your physician to create a management plan including environmental controls, medications, or immunotherapy options.
Will this test diagnose all mold allergies? No, it specifically tests Cladosporium herbarum; consider a comprehensive mold panel for broader screening.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cladosporium herbarum Allergy IgE Blood Test detects specific immunoglobulin E antibodies in your blood that react to Cladosporium herbarum, a widespread outdoor and indoor mold. Using advanced fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology, this test measures your immune response to mold spores or proteins. High IgE levels indicate sensitization, meaning your immune system overreacts to this allergen and triggers symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or skin reactions. Understanding your sensitization status helps you and your healthcare provider develop targeted strategies to manage symptoms, reduce mold exposure, and decide whether allergen immunotherapy is appropriate. This direct-access test empowers you to take control of your allergy health without waiting for specialist appointments.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for anyone experiencing allergy symptoms in moldy or humid environments. People with respiratory issues such as asthma that worsen during mold seasons particularly benefit, as up to 42% of young children show sensitivity to Cladosporium (Thermo Fisher 2023). Individuals living or working in buildings with water damage, poor ventilation, or visible mold growth should consider testing. Farmers, gardeners, and outdoor workers exposed to decomposing plant material face higher mold exposure. Those preparing for allergen immunotherapy need confirmed sensitization before starting treatment. If you have frequent sinus infections, unexplained skin reactions, or a family history of mold allergies, this test provides crucial diagnostic information. Early identification reduces the risk of asthma exacerbations and improves overall quality of life (PMC 2023).
When should I order a Cladosporium herbarum Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergy symptoms that coincide with mold exposure. Key indicators include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or itchy skin and eczema. Symptoms often worsen during late summer and fall when outdoor mold counts peak, or year-round in damp indoor environments. If you notice your symptoms intensify in basements, bathrooms, or areas with water damage, testing helps confirm the trigger. Consider testing before starting allergen immunotherapy, as documented sensitization is required for targeted treatment. Individuals moving to humid climates or homes with known mold issues should test proactively. Timing matters less than symptom correlation, as IgE antibodies remain detectable regardless of current exposure. Testing during active symptoms, however, can validate the connection between your reactions and mold exposure.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results report IgE antibody levels measured in standardized units and classified into severity classes. Understanding these categories helps you and your provider determine next steps.
Class 0 (Negative)
- No detectable IgE antibodies; no sensitization
- Look for other allergen triggers or non-allergic causes
Class 1 (Low)
- Minimal IgE detected; mild sensitization
- Monitor symptoms; consider environmental controls
Class 2 (Moderate)
- Moderate IgE levels; confirmed sensitization
- Implement avoidance strategies; consider medications
Class 3 (High)
- High IgE levels; strong immune response
- Aggressive environmental controls; pharmacotherapy likely needed
Class 4–6 (Very High)
- Very high IgE; severe sensitization
- Comprehensive management plan; consider immunotherapy
Positive results confirm sensitization but don't predict symptom severity—clinical correlation with your symptoms and exposure history is 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 before this blood test, making it convenient to schedule anytime. However, inform your healthcare provider or the testing facility if you take antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other allergy medications, as these may potentially affect results interpretation. Generally, these medications don't need to be stopped, unlike skin allergy testing where they must be discontinued. You can maintain your normal diet and daily routine. If you have concerns about specific medications or supplements, discuss them with your provider beforehand. The blood draw itself is quick and performed by trained personnel at your chosen location. Proper sample handling and shipping to the laboratory ensures accurate results, typically delivered digitally within 12–24 hours.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your symptoms, treatment response, and exposure changes. Use these guidelines in consultation with your healthcare provider.
- Initial diagnosis: One-time test to confirm sensitization
- Starting immunotherapy: Before treatment; retest only if symptoms change significantly
- Monitoring treatment response: Every 1–2 years if undergoing immunotherapy
- New or worsening symptoms: As needed when symptom patterns change unexpectedly
- Environmental changes: Consider retesting after moving to new climates or homes
- Stable, well-controlled allergy: Routine retesting generally not necessary
Unlike tests that monitor disease progression, allergy IgE testing is typically diagnostic rather than a tool for ongoing monitoring. Once sensitization is confirmed, focus shifts to symptom management and environmental control. Repeat testing may be appropriate if you're considering immunotherapy after years of avoidance, or if new symptoms suggest additional sensitizations. Your provider will recommend retesting based on your individual clinical picture.
Why early detection matters
Identifying Cladosporium herbarum allergy early prevents escalating respiratory complications and improves long-term health outcomes. Untreated mold allergies frequently trigger asthma exacerbations, leading to emergency visits, missed work or school, and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis allows you to implement targeted environmental controls such as humidity management, improved ventilation, and remediation of mold sources. These interventions significantly reduce symptom frequency and severity. Early detection also enables timely pharmacotherapy decisions, helping you avoid unnecessary medications while ensuring appropriate treatment when needed. For suitable candidates, allergen immunotherapy can modify the underlying immune response, potentially providing lasting relief even after treatment ends. Studies show that proactive allergy management reduces healthcare costs associated with asthma complications and improves daily functioning (PMC 2023). Taking action early empowers you to control your environment rather than letting allergies control your life.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile, Mold IgE Blood Test — Screens for IgE antibodies to multiple common indoor and outdoor molds, offering broader mold allergy assessment beyond Cladosporium alone.
Total IgE Test — Measures your overall IgE levels to assess general allergic tendency and complement specific allergen testing.
Alternaria alternata Allergy IgE Blood Test — Detects IgE sensitization to Alternaria, a prevalent mold allergen often associated with asthma and seasonal respiratory symptoms.
