IgE Mold Allergy Test

IgE Mold Allergy Test in all white - MosaicDX

Assessing Immune Responses to Mold

Mold allergy is a type of allergic reaction that occurs when an individual’s immune system is exposed to mold spores or mold cell components – typically via inhalation, ingestion, and/or contact with the skin. Molds are a type of fungi which grow in moisture-rich environments such as damp areas in homes like bathrooms and basements, and high humidity areas in buildings or vehicles. In addition, certain occupations have been identified to increase risk for mold exposure: construction industry (e.g., builders, plumbers, HVAC technicians), farmers, food industry workers, janitors/cleaners, and health care workers.

MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy Test measures an individual’s total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level as well as allergen specific IgE levels to 13 mold allergens, including common mold allergens like Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. This panel provides valuable insight into potential triggers for mold allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Serum
Turnaround Time: 1-2 weeks

Turnaround times are estimates. Detailed order tracking is available in the MosaicDX Portal.

IgE Mold
* Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
IgE Mold Allergy Test logo in purple and grey - MosaicDX

What Patients Might Benefit from the IgE Mold Allergy Test?

Individuals exposed to molds can exhibit many kinds of symptoms depending on their overall immune sensitivity and presence of chronic health conditions, as well as the type, amount and duration of mold they are subjected to.

Allergic symptoms can range from mild in less reactive individuals to severe in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying mold allergy.

Symptoms typically associated with mold allergen exposure include the following:

  • Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
  • Asthma
  • Atopic Disease
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome
  • Dry or Scaly Skin
  • Itchy Eyes, Nose, or Throat
  • Localized Swelling
  • Mold-Induced Asthma
  • Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
  • Postnasal Drip
  • Rash, Hives
  • Rhinitis
  • Stuffy Nose
  • Watery Eyes

Details

Why Test For Mold Allergies?

Molds thrive in warm, damp and humid conditions – and are commonly found in various indoor and outdoor environments, including homes, schools and office buildings; agricultural settings (especially in crops, hay and silage); and industrial and health care settings where high moisture, water damage, and poor ventilation is present. Exposure to mold can trigger abnormal immune reactions, detectable through measuring the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to mold species.

Given their ubiquitous presence, testing should be considered in anyone with signs and/or symptoms of mold exposure – or an environmental history for a known current or past exposure to mold.

MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy Panel tests for 13 mold allergens that can cause mold-related illnesses and allergy symptoms, including cough, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, and runny nose. It can also provide insight into potential triggers for abnormal immune responses like mold-induced asthma and fungal sinusitis.

It’s important to note that this panel is distinct from MosaicDX’s MycoTOX Profile: The IgE Mold Allergy Test is a serum test that provides insight into the presence of mold allergens, while the MycoTOX Profile is a urine assay that assesses the levels of mycotoxins – low molecular weight, secondary metabolites of molds – excreted from the body. These complementary profiles each provide a unique lens to assess potential mold-related illness in symptomatic individuals or those with known mold exposure.

Learn More About the IgE Mold Allergy Test: Explore FAQs

Analytes

The IgE Mold Allergy Panel includes 13 mold allergen markers known to be involved in mold-related illnesses.

Below is a list of all all analytes included in the test along with a brief description:

  • A common outdoor mold allergen found in soil and on many plants. Commonly associated with asthma. Also found in damp, poorly ventilated or water damage buildings.
  • Ubiquitous, common in outdoor air, contaminates foodstuffs such as stored grains and crops, and decaying plant material (compost, peat, hay, soil, wood chips). A. fumigatus readily grows in indoor environments
    on dampened building materials (plasterboard, wood, chipboard, ceiling tiles, cardboard, and insulation material) usually producing a light to medium growth, grey to greyish-green. Species of Aspergillus produce the mycotoxins aflatoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, gliotoxin, and citrinin. All are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • Commonly found in soil and plant materials. May form fungal balls of the sinuses or cause dermatomycosis, keratitis, allergic sinusitis, central nervous system infections, and disseminated infections,as well as allergic bronchopulmonary disease, endarteritis, endocarditis, and peritonitis. Bipolaris species produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • A fungus that can grow on plants, fruits, and vegetables, causing decay and crop damage. It is characterized by its gray, fuzzy appearance and can cause serious damage to crops by causing rot and decay. Botrytis Cinerea is often found in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and areas with poor ventilation. It can also grow on damp or decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves or compost piles.
  • A yeast that grows in the gastrointestinal tract as part of the normal GI microbiome. Also found in the genitourinary tract and on skin. Overgrowth of Candida can lead to immune stimulation manifesting as inflammation, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, brain fog, etc. The mycotoxin produced by C. albicans is gliotoxin and is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • Common outdoor mold found in 70% of homes tested in the US. Found in food stuffs, paint, windowsills, HVAC systems.
  • Widespread in grasslands and agricultural areas. Found in the Midwest during cool, dry autumns. Can contaminate foodstuffs and textiles.
  • Often found in cereal grains: corn, oats, rye, barley, and buckwheat. Though commonly found outdoors, it can grow in water-damaged buildings as well. Can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis especially in occupational settings. A frequent cause of upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Species of Fusarium produce the mycotoxin zearalenone, roridin E, enniatin B, and verrucarin A which are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • Found in soil and in foods (moldy cheese, fresh fruits, and smoked foods, yogurt, spices, and nuts). Individuals in agricultural occupations tend to have a high exposure rate.
  • Found in food and damp buildings. Can cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia, localized granulomas, fungus balls, asthma and systemic infections like endophthalmitis. Species of this mold produce the mycotoxins gliotoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and mycophenolic acid, which are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • A phytopathogen found in aquatic environments and soil; these fungi have been isolated from water sources, food, and crops, acting as opportunistic pathogens when a suitable host is exposed.Contamination of potatoes or corn can contaminate seeds, nuts, soybeans, potatoes, bananas, sorghum,maize, kiwi berries, lemons, tomatoes, eggplants, pomegranates, and cereal grains. Species of Phoma produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
  • This type of mold that belongs to the Zygomycetes group. It is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and fruits and vegetables. It has a fast growth rate and can spread quickly, making it a common cause of food spoilage and infection.
  • Found worldwide and a common contaminant of grains and corn. Thrives in a warm moist environment. May contaminate a water-damaged building but not seen as frequently as other molds.

Sample Reports

The IgE Mold test report is a useful resource for practitioners who want to gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of mold-related illnesses.

Test Prep and Instructions

MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that simplify testing. Our kits include visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection, personalized shipping cards, and pediatric collection bags if needed. With MosaicDX, patients can easily collect samples for testing with confidence and accuracy.

Patient Resources

Assets for practitioners to support patients in understanding mold allergies and MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy test, enhancing their patients’ comprehension, decision-making, and overall health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ordering process for MosaicDX tests starts with your healthcare practitioner assessing your symptoms and recommending the most appropriate test.

Once a test has been recommended, collection kits can be conveniently ordered and delivered straight to your doorstep. If you already have a collection kit, you can register your test and begin the process at your convenience.

It is important to carefully follow the collection instructions and include all required information about yourself and your specimens when registering your test. When your specimens are collected, you can use the prepaid shipping materials provided in your kit to ship them to MosaicDX. Your results will be accessible online via the MosaicDX portal. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare practitioner to discuss your results and develop a plan for your healthcare

If you are located outside of the U.S., our customer service team can assist you in finding a distributor in your country. In countries where a distributor is not required, you can place an order through our international patient ordering site. Please note that all international shipping costs must be paid prior to shipping the kit.  

Treatment is different for mold IgE allergy vs. mycotoxin toxic burden responses, identifying the type of response aids in treatment decision-making.

The IgE Mold Allergy Test is a serum profile that provides insight into the presence of mold allergens, while the MycoTOX Profile is a urine assay that assesses the levels of mycotoxins – low molecular weight, secondary metabolites of molds – excreted from the body.

These complementary profiles each provide a unique lens to assess potential mold-related illness in symptomatic individuals or those with known mold exposure and treatment.

  • Patients who do not have mold IgE allergies may still have mycotoxin burden.
  • Patients with positive mold IgE test results are more likely to have been exposed to mycotoxins.
  • IgE levels may indicate reactivity to mold species whose mycotoxin products were not excreted at the time of the mycotoxin test or are not among the mycotoxins included in the MycoTOX Profile.

Measuring mold allergen specific IgE levels may help predict an individual’s acute immune response to molds in their environment which can range from mild to severe. MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy Test assesses 13 mold allergens, including several that commonly cause symptoms.

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. The MycoTOX profile is a urine-based assay that assesses levels of 21 different mycotoxins, including metabolites of the most toxigenic classes: Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Zearalenones, and Trichothecenes.

Because it’s possible to have an allergenic reactivity to a mold species whose mycotoxin excretion is not included in the MycoTOX profile – or for an individual to have exposure to a mycotoxin producing mold not included in the IgE Mold Allergy Test – combining both the IgE Mold Allergy and MycoTOX Profile tests can provide a more complete assessment of an individual’s mold exposure.

Serum samples have a relatively stable nature and can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 30 days and in a freezer for six months. 

Different states have regulations that define the scope of practice for practitioners. It is the practitioner’s responsibility to abide by these rules. Check with your state board of health to determine any restrictions related to laboratory testing. Please note, Mosaic Diagnostics does not offer testing in New York. 

Once you have opened your account, you have the options of ordering kits to stock in your office or drop-ship kits directly to your patients through your MosaicDX portal.   

Watch our short tutorial videos on how to conveniently  

Already have a kit? Watch this video on how to place an order for your patient using a kit from your inventory.   

Please refer to your test’s specific Test Preparation and Instructions for more information regarding the potential effects of medications, foods, and supplements on this test. 

You make also consult your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medications.

Visit the payment information page for an overview of payment options and procedures along with insurance coverage overview.

NOTE: Insurance coverage for testing is based on several factors such as the type of procedure, diagnosis, and insurance policy guidelines. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company to check for coverage and to provide the procedure codes (CPT codes) and diagnostic codes (ICD-10 codes). The CPT codes can be found on the billing information page, while ICD-10 codes are provided by the practitioner.

Mosaic Diagnostics offers written interpretations within test reports and complimentary consultations with our clinical educators for qualified practitioners. To schedule a consultation, simply sign in to your MosaicDX account and book a consultation online. 

We encourage all patients to discuss results with your practitioner.

Our Resources tab also contains educational materials that you may find useful, we also offer MosaicEDGE workshops for qualified practitioners to better understand the fundamentals of lab testing.

  1. Visit AnyLabTest Now to find a location near you.
    1. Schedule an appointment online, call for assistance, or just show up for your lab test — no appointment necessary.
    2. Bring the following to your appointment:
      1. Payment for specimen collection and processing fee.
      2. Test collection kit
      3. Included gel pack (freeze ahead of time)
      4. Collection instructions
      5. Test Requisition Form with doctor’s signature
      6. UPS return bag (included in the test kit)
  2. Alpha Phlebotomy Group offers three options
    1. In Home Collections – where the phlebotomist comes to you. Fees include per collection rates and mileage.
    2. Collection Draw Site Locations – where APG provides you with a location that is familiar with MosaicDX orders. Prices for collections vary by phlebotomist.
    3. Mobile Event Collections for Groups – Have a group of 20 blood collections? Create a blood draw corporate or wellness event. Events require a minimum of 6 draws per hour otherwise additional hourly fees may apply along with specific pricing per participant.
  3. Los Angeles and Orange County Areas: Contact Mobile Phlebotomy Service
    1. They will complete the blood draw directly from your home. Call 909-985-5562 to make an appointment. Standard hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  4. Kansas City Metro Areas: Contact Test Smartly Labs.
    1. Collection hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at all four of the TSL Kansas City area locations. Call 816-800-9699 to set up your appointment.

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Clinical References

  1. Mokobi, F., Tariq, M., & Maximiliano. (2020, September 06). Penicillium chrysogenum- An Overview: Mycology. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://microbenotes.com/penicillium-chrysogenum/
  2. D’Halewyn, M. Sc, M., & Chevalier, P., PHD. (n.d.). Aspergillus fumigatus. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.inspq.qc.ca/en/moulds/fact-sheets/aspergillus-fumigatus
  3. D’Halewyn, M. Sc, M., & Chevalier, P., PHD. (n.d.). Cladosporium herbarum. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.inspq.qc.ca/en/moulds/fact-sheets/cladosporium-herbarum
  4. Paterson, R., & Lima, N. (2017, August 2). Filamentous Fungal Human Pathogens from Food Emphasising Aspergillus, Fusarium and Mucor. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5620635/
  5. Bertling A;Niemann S;Uekötter A;Fegeler W;Lass-Flörl C;von Eiff C;Kehrel BE;. (n.d.). Candida albicans and its metabolite gliotoxin inhibit platelet function via interaction with thiols. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20531851/
  6. Edmondson, D., Barrios, C., Brasel, T., Straus, D., Kurup, V., & Fink, J. (2009, December 21). Immune response among patients exposed to molds. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802005/
  7. Esenbeck, C., Rotem, J., Keißler, K., E. Reiss, H., IJ. Misaghi, R., RK. Bush, J., . . . L. Cox, D. (1970, January 01). Alternaria alternata and Its Allergens: A Comprehensive Review. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12016-014-8447-6
  8. Salo, P., Arbes, S., Sever, M., Jaramillo, R., Cohn, R., London, S., & Zeldin, D. (2006, October). Exposure to Alternaria alternata in US homes is associated with asthma symptoms. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080575/
  9. Species of Molds. (n.d.). Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.asthmaandallergycenter.com/article/species-molds/
  10. D’Halewyn, M. Sc, M., & Chevalier, P., PHD. (n.d.). Fusarium spp. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.inspq.qc.ca/en/moulds/fact-sheets/fusarium-spp
  11. Kobayashi, H., Sano, A., Aragane, N., Fukuoka, M., Tanaka, M., Kawaura, F., . . . Hayashi, S. (2008). Disseminated infection by Bipolaris spicifera in an immunocompetent subject. Medical Mycology, 46(4), 361-365. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/46/4/361/967370.
  12. Kim, E., & Burks, W. (1970, January 01). Figure 1 from Immunological basis of food allergy (IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and tolerance).: Semantic Scholar. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Immunological-basis-of-food-allergy-(IgE-mediated,-Kim-Burks/c293c7deb293416143d4aef7005a7eb786d816e8/figure/1
  13. Tuuminen, T. (2020). The Roles of Autoimmunity and Biotoxicosis in Sick Building Syndrome as a “Starting Point” for Irreversible Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome. Antibodies, 9(2), 26. doi:10.3390/antib9020026