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 specific mold allergies with gold-standard ImmunoCAP® methodology for accurate IgE detection
- No doctor visit required — order online and test at your convenience
- Fast results delivered in 3-5 days for prompt allergy management
- Confidential screening that empowers you to take charge of respiratory health
- Reduce emergency visits by identifying allergens early and avoiding severe reactions
- Comprehensive panel tests six common environmental molds in one simple blood draw
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, or wheezing
- People with chronic respiratory symptoms lasting more than two weeks
- Those exposed to damp environments or known mold contamination
- Asthma patients seeking to identify environmental triggers
- Health-conscious consumers wanting preventive allergen screening
- Anyone with a family history of allergies or respiratory conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — select your test without a physician referral and choose a convenient lab location
- Visit the lab — a trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample during a quick appointment
- Access your results — review secure, confidential results online within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What molds does this test screen for? This panel measures IgE antibodies to the following common molds:
- Alternaria alternata
- Aspergillus fumigatus
- Aureobasidium pullulans
- Candida albicans LabCorp Only
- Cladosporium herbarum
- Epicoccum purpurascens LabCorp Only
- Fusarium proliferatum LabCorp Only
- Mucor racemosus
- Penicillium chrysogenum
- Phoma betae LabCorp Only
- Setomelanomma rostrata
- Stemphylium herbarum LabCorp Only
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting or special preparation is required before your blood draw.
How accurate is this allergy test? ImmunoCAP technology has sensitivity and specificity above 85% for clinically relevant mold allergies.
Can this test diagnose asthma? No, but it identifies mold allergies that may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
What should I do if my results are elevated? Consult an allergist or immunologist to discuss treatment options and allergen avoidance strategies.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures specific IgE antibodies produced by your immune system in response to six common mold species. When you're allergic to mold, your body treats mold spores as harmful invaders and creates IgE antibodies to fight them. These antibodies trigger the release of histamine, causing allergic symptoms like congestion, wheezing, and skin irritation. By detecting elevated IgE levels, this test helps diagnose mold allergies and guides treatment decisions (Mayo Clinic Labs 2024).
Mold spores are microscopic fungi that float continuously in the air, both indoors and outdoors. They thrive in moist, humid environments and can grow in homes, buildings, and outdoor areas. About 10-20% of the general population is sensitized to mold allergens, with higher rates among people with asthma and allergic rhinitis (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for anyone experiencing allergy-like symptoms that may be triggered by mold exposure. You may benefit if you have persistent respiratory symptoms, live or work in damp environments, or want to identify environmental allergens proactively.
Common situations where this test provides value include experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms that worsen in summer and fall, living in humid climates or water-damaged buildings, having unexplained chronic cough or sinus congestion, managing asthma with unknown triggers, or planning environmental modifications to reduce allergen exposure. Health-conscious individuals who prefer direct-access testing without initial physician referral also find this convenient screening option valuable.
When should I order an Allergen Profile Mold Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced allergy symptoms persisting more than two weeks or after known mold exposure. Symptoms may appear within minutes to hours after contact with mold spores and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include nasal congestion, postnasal drip, runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, itching, hives, sore throat, wheezing, or trouble breathing. Some individuals may also experience lightheadedness, swelling, or skin reactions.
In rare cases, severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Warning signs include rapid pulse, swollen throat or difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or extreme dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results show IgE antibody levels for each mold allergen tested, measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). The interpretation helps determine your level of sensitization.
IgE Level: <0.10 kU/L
- Negative – no sensitization detected
- Mold allergy unlikely for this species
IgE Level: 0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- Class I – low sensitization
- Consult physician; may need symptom monitoring
IgE Level: 0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class II – moderate sensitization
- Consider allergen avoidance and treatment
IgE Level: 0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class III – elevated sensitization
- See allergist for management plan
IgE Level: 3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- Class IV – high sensitization
- Allergen avoidance and treatment recommended
IgE Level: ≥17.50 kU/L
- Class V–VI – very high sensitization
- Urgent allergist consultation for comprehensive care
Early identification and management of mold allergy can reduce emergency visits by up to 30% among asthma patients.
Elevated IgE levels indicate allergic sensitization to specific molds. However, test results should always be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms and exposure history. Consult your healthcare provider or an allergist to confirm diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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 special preparation is required for this blood test. You don't need to fast or adjust medications before your appointment. Simply visit your chosen lab location during operating hours for a standard blood draw. The process takes just a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your symptoms, exposure, and treatment response. Here are general guidelines:
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once to establish baseline
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness: 6–12 months after starting therapy
- New or worsening symptoms: As needed when symptoms change
- Post-environmental remediation: 3–6 months after mold removal
- Stable, well-controlled allergy: Annually or as directed by physician
Your allergist may recommend different intervals based on your individual situation. Repeat testing helps track sensitization changes over time and evaluate whether avoidance strategies or treatments are working effectively.
Why early detection matters
Identifying mold allergies early prevents prolonged discomfort and reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions. Undiagnosed mold allergies can lead to chronic respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. For people with asthma, unmanaged mold exposure can trigger dangerous exacerbations requiring emergency care.
Early diagnosis enables you to implement targeted allergen avoidance strategies. Simple environmental modifications like controlling indoor humidity below 50%, using HEPA air purifiers, promptly fixing leaks, and cleaning mold-prone areas can significantly reduce symptoms. Combined with appropriate allergy medications when needed, these steps help you maintain respiratory health and prevent complications.
Related tests you may consider
Respiratory Allergy Panel, IgE Blood Test — Screens for common airborne allergens such as pollens, dust mites, pet dander, and molds, providing a broader view of environmental allergy triggers beyond mold alone.
Total IgE Blood Test — Measures overall allergic activity to support multiple allergy diagnosis
Aspergillus fumigatus Allergy IgE Blood Test — Measures IgE antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus, a common indoor mold linked to respiratory allergy symptoms.
