Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test
About Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cladosporium herbarum (m2) IgE Test, Mould Allergy Test, Fungal Allergen IgE Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, particularly those with suspected mould allergy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test?
The Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test measures specific IgE antibodies in your blood to determine whether your immune system reacts to Cladosporium herbarum, a common airborne mould. Doctors order this test when a patient reports allergy symptoms that may be linked to mould exposure. Also known as the Cladosporium herbarum (m2) IgE test, it uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does an Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test Measure?
This test detects the presence and level of IgE antibodies (immune proteins your body produces when it identifies a substance as a threat) specifically directed at Cladosporium herbarum.
The following explains what the test examines:
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Cladosporium herbarum-specific IgE antibodies | Whether your immune system has become sensitised to this mould |
| IgE level (kU/L) | How strongly your immune system has responded to the allergen |
| IgE class (0 to 6) | A graded score indicating the degree of sensitisation detected |
When mould spores enter the body, the immune system may treat them as foreign. If it does, it produces IgE antibodies. Detecting these antibodies confirms sensitisation to this particular mould.
Why Is an Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects that mould exposure is causing allergy symptoms. It can also support decisions about starting immunotherapy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent sneezing or a stuffy, runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat or skin
- Dry skin or hives
- Coughing that worsens in damp environments
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Wheezing or breathing discomfort
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Cladosporium herbarum test can help identify sensitisation linked to several conditions. These include:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever triggered by mould spores)
- Asthma with a possible mould-related trigger
- Rhinoconjunctivitis (simultaneous inflammation of the eyes and nose)
- Allergic fungal sinusitis caused by prolonged mould exposure
- Allergic alveolitis (inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward. No special steps are needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check separately whether those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to prepare for your appointment:
- Drink plenty of water before your test; good hydration makes blood collection easier
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of the test, as these may affect results
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during your sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to encourage blood flow into the veins.
- You will be asked to make a fist to help the vein become more visible.
- A small needle is inserted into the vein, and a blood sample is collected into a gel tube.
- The band is removed, the needle is withdrawn, and a small cotton pad is pressed over the site.
- The labelled sample is stored under refrigeration and sent to the laboratory, where it is analysed using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your test result. These include:
- Recent infections or illness, which may temporarily raise IgE levels
- Use of immunosuppressant medications
- Timing of allergen exposure before the test
- Improper sample handling or storage
- Existing conditions such as parasitic infections, which can elevate total IgE independently of allergy
Understanding Your Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test Results
Your results show the level of IgE antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum and are reported as both a numerical value and a class grade. Always review your results with a qualified doctor.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative (no sensitisation detected) |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive (weak sensitisation) |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive |
| 4 | 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high positive |
| 5 | 50.00 to 99.99 | Very high positive |
| 6 | 100 or above | Very high positive |
Disclaimer: 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.
A result below 0.35 kU/L (Class 0) indicates no significant sensitisation. A result of Class 2 or above (0.70 kU/L or higher) is flagged as elevated. A raised IgE level points to a higher likelihood of allergy to this mould, but the level alone does not confirm how severe any reaction would be or guarantee a reaction will occur. A negative result suggests your symptoms may have a different cause, which your doctor will investigate further.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health situations can affect how your results are interpreted:
- Ongoing infections or periods of significant physical stress may temporarily raise IgE levels, which can affect the reading.
- Conditions such as parasitic infections, certain immune-related disorders, or immunocompromised states may also influence IgE production. Your doctor will factor these into their assessment.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general steps can help reduce mould exposure at home:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% using dehumidifiers, particularly in bathrooms and basements
- Ensure good ventilation in damp areas and inspect them regularly for mould growth
- Spend less time outdoors during high-spore periods, typically mid-summer to early autumn
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,300, with home sample collection offered across cities in India.
| 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.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for this test across multiple cities in India. A trained phlebotomist visits your home to collect the sample at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and reports are delivered digitally for easy access.
How to Book
Here is how to book your Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cladosporium herbarum is a common mould found both indoors and outdoors. It releases microscopic spores into the air, and breathing them in can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test helps confirm whether this mould is responsible for your symptoms.
Both tests check for allergic sensitisation, but a blood test is preferred when skin tests are not suitable, for example, due to severe eczema or certain medications. The blood test also carries no risk of triggering a reaction during the testing procedure, making it a safer option for some patients.
Unlike skin prick tests, this blood test is generally not affected by antihistamines. You do not need to stop them beforehand. That said, always tell your doctor about any medications you are taking so they can interpret your results accurately.
Yes, the Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test is suitable for all ages, including infants and young children. It is often the preferred method for testing younger patients, as it involves only a routine blood draw and causes minimal discomfort.
Not necessarily. A positive result indicates sensitisation to Cladosporium herbarum, meaning your immune system has produced IgE antibodies to this mould. However, IgE levels do not predict whether a reaction will occur or how severe it might be. Your doctor will review the result alongside your symptoms and history.
Symptoms tend to peak between mid-summer and early autumn, when outdoor mould spore counts are highest. Since Cladosporium also grows indoors, reactions can happen throughout the year, particularly in damp or poorly ventilated spaces.
No. This test specifically measures IgE antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum only. If your doctor suspects an allergy to multiple moulds, they may recommend a broader mould allergy panel to screen for other fungal allergens at the same time.
Allergy, Cladosporium herbarum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
