Allergy, Aspergillus Niger Test
About Allergy, Aspergillus Niger Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Aspergillus niger IgE Test, A. niger Specific IgE, Black Mould Allergy Test, m207 IgE |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; those with suspected mould allergy, asthma, occupational mould exposure, or unexplained respiratory symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Aspergillus Niger Allergy Test?
The aspergillus niger allergy test is a blood test that measures your immune system's response to Aspergillus niger, a common black mould found in soil and air. It detects specific IgE antibodies (proteins your body produces when it reacts to an allergen) in your blood. Doctors order this test when a patient has symptoms that may be linked to mould exposure. It is also known as the aspergillus niger IgE test.
What Does an Allergy to Aspergillus Niger Test Measure?
This test measures one specific marker in your blood. The table below explains what is being tested and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Aspergillus niger-specific IgE antibodies | Measures the level of IgE antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Aspergillus niger mould. Elevated levels suggest sensitisation to this mould. |
The test is performed using the FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) method, which is a highly sensitive technique for detecting allergen-specific IgE in the blood.
Why is an Aspergillus niger Allergy Test Done?
This test helps doctors identify whether Aspergillus niger mould is responsible for a patient's allergic or respiratory symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may recommend the allergy aspergillus niger test when a patient experiences one or more of the following symptoms:
- Persistent wheezing or breathlessness
- Chronic cough that does not resolve easily
- Frequent sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Asthma that is poorly controlled or worsening
- Recurring sinus infections or facial pressure
- Unexplained lung inflammation after exposure to mouldy environments
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The aspergillus niger IgE Test can support the diagnosis of several conditions. These include:
- Mould-related allergic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nose and sinuses triggered by mould)
- Allergic asthma with or without rhinitis (nose inflammation)
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immune reaction to Aspergillus mould colonising the airways, commonly seen in asthma or cystic fibrosis patients
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a lung inflammation condition linked to occupational mould exposure (for example, in farmers, greenhouse workers, or onion farmers)
- Occupational allergic disease in bakers and those working with Aspergillus-derived enzymes
- Confirming mould sensitisation before starting immunotherapy (allergy shots)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the allergy aspergillus niger test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood sample is collected. If other tests are ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether those tests require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before heading for your sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform the phlebotomist (the trained professional who collects your blood) if you take any medications, including antihistamines. Note that antihistamines do not affect this blood test, though they can affect skin prick tests.
- Drink enough water before your appointment, as good hydration makes it easier to draw blood.
- Tell the phlebotomist if you have a history of feeling faint during blood draws.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The aspergillus niger allergy test procedure is quick and straightforward. Here is what happens during sample collection:
- The phlebotomist cleans a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually in the bend of your elbow.
- Around 3 ml of blood is drawn into a serum separator tube (a yellow-top tube).
- The needle is removed, and a cotton pad or small bandage is placed over the site.
- The serum (clear liquid part of the blood) is separated from the cells promptly, within 2 hours of collection.
- The labelled sample is stored under refrigeration and dispatched to the NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results. These include:
- Markedly elevated total serum IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) can cause false-positive results due to non-specific binding
- Recent heavy exposure to Aspergillus mould may temporarily raise specific IgE levels
- Parasitic infections or certain viral illnesses can raise total IgE levels
- Haemolysed (damaged), icteric (jaundiced), or lipaemic (excessively fatty) blood samples may not be accepted for testing
- Different test kits used by different laboratories may produce slightly varying results
Understanding Your Allergy, Aspergillus niger Results
Your results are reported as IgE antibody levels in kU/L and classified into classes. Higher classes indicate greater sensitisation to Aspergillus niger. Always review your results with your doctor.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.10 | Undetectable |
| Class 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Very low level |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low level |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate level (flagged as elevated) |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.4 | High level |
| Class 4 | 17.5 to 49.9 | Very high level |
| Class 5 | 50 to 100 | Very high level |
| Class 6 | Above 100 | Very high level |
Levels of 0.70 kU/L or above (Class 2 and above) are considered elevated. Levels below 0.35 kU/L generally suggest no detectable sensitisation to this mould.
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 health conditions can affect how results should be read:
Patients with total serum IgE levels above 2,500 kU/L may show false-positive specific IgE results due to non-specific binding. Your doctor will account for this when reviewing your report.
Parasitic infections and some viral illnesses can raise total IgE levels, which may affect interpretation. Corticosteroid use may suppress IgE production.
IgE antibody levels do not always correspond to the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will interpret results alongside your full clinical history and symptom pattern.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While there is no treatment for mould allergy in this section, these general environmental tips can help reduce exposure:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% and ensure rooms are well-ventilated, particularly bathrooms and kitchens.
- Limit time outdoors right after rainfall, during foggy weather, or when mould counts are reported to be high.
- If visible mould appears at home, ask someone who is not allergic to mould to clean the affected area.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Aspergillus niger Price and Home Collection
The aspergillus niger allergy test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,300, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below gives an indicative city-wise price guide.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the allergy aspergillus niger test online with Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers the allergy aspergillus niger test home collection across multiple cities, making it easy to get tested without visiting a centre. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time and collects the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered securely to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspergillus niger is a type of mould (fungus) found widely in the environment, including in soil, decaying plant matter, and indoor spaces. It releases tiny spores into the air. When people who are sensitive to this mould inhale these spores, their immune system may overreact and trigger allergy symptoms.
People with poorly controlled asthma, cystic fibrosis, or recurrent respiratory symptoms are more likely to be sensitive to Aspergillus moulds. Those with occupational exposure, such as greenhouse workers, horticulturalists, bakers, and onion farmers, may also benefit from testing if they experience unexplained respiratory or allergy symptoms.
No. Antihistamines do not affect specific IgE blood tests. Unlike skin prick tests, which can be altered by antihistamines, this blood test measures IgE antibodies directly and gives reliable results regardless of antihistamine use. Still, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Not always. A negative result suggests that no detectable sensitisation to Aspergillus niger was found. However, a negative test does not completely rule out a clinical allergy. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and full medical history alongside the test result before reaching a conclusion.
A Class 2 result or higher (0.70 kU/L or above) indicates that your immune system has produced a measurable amount of IgE antibodies to Aspergillus niger. This suggests sensitisation to this mould. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your symptoms and other clinical findings to determine the next steps.
A blood test measures IgE antibodies in your bloodstream, while a skin prick test places a tiny amount of diluted allergen on your skin to look for a local reaction. Blood tests are particularly useful when skin testing is not possible, for example, if a patient has severe eczema or cannot stop antihistamines. Both approaches can help identify mould sensitisation.
Results are typically ready within 3 days of the laboratory receiving your blood sample. Lupin Diagnostics delivers reports digitally, so you can access them via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Allergy, Aspergillus Niger Test
