Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Aspergillus flavus Specific IgE Test, A. flavus IgE, Aspergillus flavus Allergy Panel, Aspergillus IgE Specific Serum Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test?
The Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test measures the level of a specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibody in your blood that your immune system produces in response to Aspergillus flavus, a common mould found in soil, grains and decaying plant matter. Also known as the Aspergillus flavus Specific IgE Test, it helps confirm whether your immune system has become sensitised to this particular fungal allergen. A doctor may prescribe this test when a patient has persistent respiratory or skin symptoms that suggest a mould-related allergy. The sample used is a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does an Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test Measure?
This test detects and measures Aspergillus flavus-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood.
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Aspergillus Flavus-Specific IgE Antibodies | Level of allergy-related antibodies in the blood that bind to proteins in A. flavus, including alkaline serine proteinase, reflecting an immune response to this mould being mistakenly identified as a threat |
Why is an Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test Done?
A doctor may order the Aspergillus flavus allergy test procedure to investigate unexplained or persistent allergic symptoms, particularly those linked to mould exposure.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may recommend this test:
- Persistent nasal blockage or a runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Itchy throat
- Continuous coughing or wheezing
- Dry or scaly skin
- Shortness of breath following mould exposure
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can support the identification of several allergy-related conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic sinusitis
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaled allergens
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a lung condition seen in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis who are hypersensitive to Aspergillus mould
- Severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS)
- Bronchial asthma triggered or worsened by fungal allergens
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test procedure, but a few practical steps can help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially antihistamines, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, as these can affect your IgE levels.
- Do not stop any medication on your own without your doctor's guidance.
- Drink plenty of water before the blood draw to make sample collection easier.
- Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic.
- A thin needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually in the crook of your elbow. You may feel a brief, mild pinch.
- A small amount of blood (approximately 3 ml) is drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The blood sample is refrigerated and transported to the laboratory under controlled conditions.
- At the lab, the sample is analysed using FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) to measure the specific IgE level against Aspergillus flavus allergens.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Use of antihistamines or corticosteroids before the test may lower detectable IgE levels
- Recent heavy exposure to A. flavus spores can temporarily raise antibody levels
- Immunosuppressive conditions or medications may reduce antibody production, leading to a falsely low result
- Differences in the test kit or allergen quality used across laboratories can affect quantification
Understanding Your Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history. A doctor is best placed to explain what your specific result means for you. The table below shows how IgE levels are classified.
| Aspergillus flavus-specific IgE (kU/L) | Class | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.35 | 0 | Below detection (negative) |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | 1 | Low positive |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | 2 | Moderate positive |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | 3 | Positive |
| 17.50 to 49.99 | 4 | Strong positive |
| 50.00 to 99.99 | 5 | Very strong positive |
| Greater than 99.99 | 6 | Extremely strong positive |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain pre-existing conditions can alter how results are interpreted:
- People with asthma or cystic fibrosis may show significantly elevated Aspergillus-specific IgE levels because impaired airway clearance in these conditions allows persistent fungal colonisation, triggering a stronger allergic response.
- Conditions such as COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis (widening of the airways) may also be associated with elevated Aspergillus-specific antibody levels, and results should be interpreted with caution in this context.
- Immunosuppressive conditions or treatments may reduce antibody production, potentially leading to a falsely low reading.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips may help reduce mould exposure:
- Keep indoor spaces dry and well-ventilated to limit mould growth, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Avoid high-risk environments such as grain storage areas, compost heaps and damp basements, particularly during humid seasons.
- Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you live in a humid area or have a known sensitivity to mould.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, with home sample collection offered across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered directly to you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspergillus flavus is a mould that grows in soil, decaying vegetation, hay and stored grains. It is widely reported as a food-borne fungal contaminant and is also present in outdoor air, particularly in agricultural environments. Breathing in its spores can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitised individuals.
This test is recommended for anyone with persistent respiratory symptoms, such as chronic sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or nasal congestion, that may be linked to mould exposure. It is particularly useful for people with known asthma, cystic fibrosis or a history of fungal allergies who want to identify a specific trigger.
Not necessarily. A positive result means your immune system has been sensitised to this mould. However, sensitisation does not always produce symptoms. Your doctor will consider your result alongside your clinical history and symptoms to reach a diagnosis.
The Allergy, Aspergillus flavus test is a blood-based test, which makes it a good option for people who cannot undergo skin testing due to skin conditions, medications like antihistamines or very young age. Both tests detect sensitisation, but blood tests are conducted in a laboratory and do not require direct allergen exposure on the skin.
Yes. Antihistamines and corticosteroids can lower detectable IgE levels and may affect the result. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before the test. Do not stop any medication without medical advice.
Reports are typically available within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your digital report via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Share the result with your doctor, who will review it alongside your symptoms and medical history. You may be referred to an allergy specialist for further evaluation. General steps such as reducing mould exposure at home are helpful while you await further guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make any changes to medications or treatments without professional guidance.
Allergy, Aspergillus flavus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
