Question 1

What types of symptoms might indicate I need mold allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include nasal and sinus symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing (also known as allergic rhinitis), as well as cough, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Mold spores are particularly harmful to people with asthma, as the small size of mold spores allows them to pass more easily into the lower airways, where they can trigger an asthma attack. If these symptoms worsen in damp environments, during certain seasons, or in buildings with water damage, mold allergy testing may be helpful.

Question 2

How accurate is blood testing for mold allergies compared to skin testing?

Accepted Answer

IgE testing is not considered sufficient to diagnose an allergy on its own. Results should be shared and discussed with a healthcare professional before making an allergy diagnosis. Doctors use two types of tests: a skin prick test and a specific IgE blood test. The sensitivity of specific IgE tests ranges from 60% to 95% and the specificity from 30% to 95%, depending upon the type of allergen and the age of the patient. Tests for some medicines, latex, moulds, and venom have poor sensitivity but greater specificity. Blood tests are particularly useful when skin testing cannot be performed due to certain conditions or medications.

Question 3

Do I need to stop taking allergy medications before this test?

Accepted Answer

No. Antihistamines do not affect sIgE blood testing (they can affect skin tests). Unlike skin allergy tests, blood-based IgE testing is not influenced by antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other allergy medications. Individuals can continue their normal medication routine without affecting the accuracy of the test results. This is one of the key advantages of blood testing over skin testing for allergy evaluation.

Question 4

What is the difference between mold allergy and mold toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with chronic exposure to molds may exhibit symptoms that are not a result of an acute response to the mold, but rather to their mycotoxins --- toxic, secondary metabolites that are produced by molds in the environment. Mold allergies involve an IgE-mediated immune response to mold proteins, causing typical allergic symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Mold toxicity, on the other hand, results from exposure to mycotoxins and may cause different symptoms. The IgE Mold Allergy Test is a serum test that provides insight into the presence of mold allergens, while other tests assess the levels of mycotoxins. These complementary profiles each provide a unique lens to assess potential mold-related illness.

Question 5

Which molds are included in this panel and why were they chosen?

Accepted Answer

This panel tests for five clinically significant molds: Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys. Alternaria alternata is commonly found outdoors and peaks in warm, dry weather. Aspergillus fumigatus can be found both indoors and outdoors and may cause more severe reactions. Cladosporium herbarum is one of the most common outdoor molds, while Penicillium notatum is frequently found indoors, especially in damp areas. These molds were selected because they are among the most common environmental allergens that cause respiratory and other allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals, representing both indoor and outdoor mold exposures.