Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test
About Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Mould Allergy Panel, Fungal Allergy Panel, Mould IgE Panel, Mould Specific IgE Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; particularly relevant for those with respiratory symptoms or suspected mould exposure |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,500 |
What Is an Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test?
The Allergy Mould Panel test is a blood test that measures specific IgE antibodies (immunoglobulin E, proteins produced by the immune system in response to allergens) against five common mould types. A doctor may prescribe this test when a patient shows signs of a possible mould-related allergic reaction. Also known as the Mould Allergy Panel or Fungal Allergy Panel, it uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does an Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test Measure?
The test analyses allergic sensitisation to five specific mould allergens. Each parameter measures the concentration of IgE antibodies directed against that particular mould species.
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Alternaria alternata IgE | Measures sensitivity to a widely present fungus found on vegetation and in the outdoor environment |
| Aspergillus fumigatus IgE | Measures sensitivity to a mould found in soils, decaying plant matter, and bird droppings; linked to asthma and bronchitis |
| Cladosporium herbarum IgE | Measures sensitivity to a common indoor mould found on window frames, food, and in poorly ventilated spaces |
| Candida albicans IgE | Measures allergic sensitisation to a yeast-type fungus commonly found on the body |
| Mucor racemosus IgE | Measures IgE-mediated reactions to a mould found in soil and decaying organic material |
Why Is an Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test when symptoms suggest exposure to mould allergens or when a mould-related condition needs to be ruled out.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are typical reasons a doctor may order the Allergy Mould Panel test:
- Persistent runny or stuffy nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Cough and postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Itchy throat or nose
- Dry, itchy skin
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify allergic responses linked to several conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis triggered by mould spores (similar to hay fever)
- Mould-associated asthma
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): an immune response in the airways caused by sensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, most often seen in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis
- Farmer's lung, a condition associated with Aspergillus exposure
- Allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation due to mould)
- Mould-triggered skin reactions or eczema
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) test is straightforward, with no fasting required.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. IgE antibody tests are generally not affected by food intake. If you are getting additional tests on the same day, confirm with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including antihistamines.
- Unlike skin prick tests, antihistamines do not affect IgE blood test results; however, always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
- Stay well-hydrated before the test to make blood collection easier.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for convenient access to the arm.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and extend your arm.
- The inside of your elbow is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to prevent contamination.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein, and around 3 ml of blood is collected into a gel tube.
- Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
- The sample is stored at a refrigerated temperature and sent to the laboratory, where IgE antibody levels are measured using the FEIA method (fluorescent enzyme immunoassay, a technique that detects specific proteins in the blood).
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive readings due to nonspecific antibody binding
- Ongoing immunotherapy treatment for allergies
- Parasitic infections, which can elevate overall IgE levels
- Improper sample handling or haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample) during transport
Understanding Your Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test Results
Results from an Allergy Mould Panel test are reported as specific IgE concentrations for each allergen tested. Your doctor will review these in the context of your symptoms and clinical history.
| IgE Level (kU/L) | Class | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.35 | Class 0 | Negative; no significant sensitisation |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Class 1 | Low positive, low-level sensitisation |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Class 2 to 3 | Moderate positive |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | Class 4 | High positive |
| 17.50 to 49.99 | Class 5 | Very high positive |
| 50.00 and above | Class 6 | 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.
Results During Special Conditions
- Patients with markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may show false-positive readings due to nonspecific binding in the test.
- Individuals with a parasitic infection may also have raised IgE levels that are unrelated to mould sensitivity.
- Prior or ongoing allergen immunotherapy may alter specific IgE concentrations. In all these cases, results must be reviewed carefully by a qualified doctor.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
- Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% by using dehumidifiers or adequate ventilation, as mould thrives in damp conditions.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and fit your air-conditioning system with a good-quality air filter.
- Avoid spending time near compost heaps, waterlogged areas, or spaces with visible mould growth.
Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy Mould Panel test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,500, and home collection is available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2500 |
| CHENNAI | 2500 |
| HYDERABAD | 2500 |
| KOLKATA | 2500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2500 |
| PUNE | 2500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Allergy Mould Panel test online 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
Allergy Mould Panel test home collection is available across major cities through Lupin Diagnostics. Blood samples are collected by trained phlebotomists and processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Digital reports are shared via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy Mould Panel test is a blood test that checks for IgE antibodies against five common moulds: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum, Candida albicans, and Mucor racemosus. It helps identify whether your immune system is reacting to these specific mould allergens.
This test is useful for anyone experiencing persistent symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or breathing difficulty, particularly in environments with high humidity or suspected mould presence. A doctor may also recommend it when standard treatments for respiratory symptoms are not showing improvement.
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If you have other tests scheduled on the same day, check with your doctor whether any of those have separate fasting requirements.
Unlike skin prick allergy tests, antihistamines do not interfere with IgE blood tests. You generally do not need to stop taking them before this test. That said, always inform your doctor about all medications you are on and follow their guidance.
A positive result indicates that your immune system has developed IgE antibodies against one or more of the tested mould species. This is called sensitisation. However, sensitisation does not always mean you will have symptoms on every exposure. Your doctor will assess the result alongside your clinical history to determine its significance.
The Allergy Mould Panel test report is typically delivered within 3 days. At Lupin Diagnostics, reports are shared digitally via email or WhatsApp, so you can access them conveniently from home.
Elevated Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE is one factor considered in diagnosing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). However, ABPA requires several additional criteria, including total IgE levels, chest imaging, and clinical assessment by a specialist. This test alone is not sufficient to confirm the condition.
Allergy Mould Panel (5 Parameters) Test
