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
- Accurate detection of black mold allergies using clinically validated ImmunoCAP® technology (Eurofins Viracor 2002)
- No doctor's visit required – order online and visit any local lab
- Supports treatment decisions for environmental remediation and allergy management
- Confidential testing helps identify hidden mold exposure affecting your health
- Guides allergen avoidance strategies to improve respiratory symptoms and quality of life
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained nasal congestion, sneezing, or respiratory problems
- People with persistent coughing, throat irritation, or asthma-like symptoms
- Those living or working in water-damaged buildings with visible mold
- Anyone with skin irritation or allergic reactions in damp environments
- Patients monitoring effectiveness of mold remediation efforts
- Health-conscious individuals seeking to identify environmental allergen triggers
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No physician referral needed; purchase your test securely
- Visit a lab – Get your blood drawn at any convenient walk-in collection site
- Receive results – Access results confidentially within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects IgE antibodies specific to Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) in your blood.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting or medication changes are needed before testing.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP testing shows high specificity for detecting Stachybotrys IgE and correlates with clinical symptoms (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019).
What if my results are positive? Positive IgE indicates sensitization to black mold; follow up with an allergist for treatment guidance.
Can this test diagnose mold allergy definitively? Results must be interpreted with your symptoms and exposure history for accurate diagnosis.
Will this help me avoid future reactions? Yes, identifying black mold sensitivity supports environmental control and reduces allergic morbidity (PubMed Central 2020).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures specific IgE antibodies against Stachybotrys chartarum/atra, commonly known as black mold. Black mold grows on fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint in environments with persistent moisture from water leaks, condensation, flooding, or excessive humidity (Quest Diagnostics 2025). Using ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay technology, this quantitative test identifies allergic sensitization to black mold, helping explain respiratory, skin, or systemic symptoms.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with allergies are more susceptible to mold reactions, and your response depends on your sensitivity level. You may benefit from this test if you experience nasal and sinus congestion, respiratory problems, coughing, throat irritation, or sneezing in damp environments. This test is particularly valuable for those with unexplained allergic symptoms and potential mold exposure history (UltalabTests 2025).
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you experience unexplained allergic or respiratory symptoms with potential exposure to water-damaged environments. Black mold allergy is an increasingly recognized cause of indoor allergen sensitization affecting quality of life and respiratory health. Testing is especially recommended before or after mold remediation efforts to assess sensitivity levels and treatment effectiveness.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show quantitative IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter):
IgE Level: <0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Mold allergy unlikely; consider other allergens
IgE Level: 0.35–0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline – Low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms; retest if exposure continues
IgE Level: 0.71–3.50 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate – Clear sensitization
- Typical action: Implement mold avoidance; consider allergy treatment
IgE Level: 3.51–17.50 kU/L
- What it means: High – Strong sensitization
- Typical action: Consult allergist; prioritize environmental remediation
IgE Level: >17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very High – Severe sensitization
- Typical action: Immediate allergen avoidance; specialized care recommended
Positive IgE indicates sensitization but not always clinical allergy—results must be interpreted within your clinical context and symptoms.
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 or medication modifications are required before testing. Continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. The lab will collect approximately 0.5 mL of blood in a serum separator tube.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis with symptoms
- Suggested interval: Once, then as clinically indicated
Monitoring after mold remediation
- Suggested interval: 3–6 months post-remediation
Ongoing environmental exposure
- Suggested interval: Annually or when symptoms change
Evaluating treatment effectiveness
- Suggested interval: 6–12 months after intervention
Why early detection matters
Early and accurate diagnosis supports environmental remediation and reduces allergic morbidity. Identifying black mold sensitivity allows you to implement targeted avoidance strategies, improve indoor air quality, and prevent chronic respiratory complications. This clinically validated test provides direct-access users with evidence-based diagnostic support from authoritative laboratory sources.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE – Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Allergen Profile Mold Blood Test – Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various common molds.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test – Evaluates blood cell types and levels to help diagnose health conditions and track treatment response.
IgE Inhalant Allergy Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit – Checks for allergic reactions to common airborne substances like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites by measuring IgE antibodies in the blood, helping people understand and manage their allergy symptoms.
