Allergy, Penicillium Chrysogenum Test
About Allergy, Penicillium Chrysogenum Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Penicillium Notatum Allergy Test, P. chrysogenum IgE, Mould Allergy Test (m1), Penicillium IgE |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females with suspected mould allergy symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum Test?
The Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum test measures specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your blood that develop in response to exposure to Penicillium chrysogenum, a common indoor mould. Doctors order this test when a patient shows allergy-like symptoms that may be linked to mould exposure. A small blood sample drawn from a vein is sufficient to run the test. It is also known as the Penicillium IgE test or Mould Allergy Test (m1).
What Does an Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum Test Measure?
The test detects and quantifies allergen-specific IgE antibodies directed against Penicillium chrysogenum in your blood serum. Here is what this means in practical terms:
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Allergen-specific IgE level (kU/L) | The concentration of IgE antibodies your immune system has produced against Penicillium chrysogenum mould |
| IgE Class (0 to 6) | A standardised category that indicates the degree of sensitisation, from undetectable to very high |
A higher class or concentration suggests greater sensitisation to this particular mould, which your doctor will interpret alongside your symptoms and clinical history.
Why Is an Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum Test Done?
This test is ordered to find out whether your body has developed an immune reaction to Penicillium chrysogenum mould. Below are the common reasons a doctor may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt your doctor to recommend the Penicillium chrysogenum IgE test:
- Persistent sneezing, especially in damp or indoor environments
- Runny or stuffy nose with no obvious cause
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Cough and postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Itchy throat or nose
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify sensitisation linked to several conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (commonly called hay fever; inflammation of the nasal passages)
- Asthma (a chronic lung condition that causes breathing difficulties)
- Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (an allergic reaction that affects the lungs)
- Allergic fungal sinusitis (inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses)
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (a rarer lung inflammation caused by inhaling mould spores)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. There are no major restrictions, but a few practical steps will help things go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can make your sample collection easier:
- Wear a half-sleeved top or a shirt with sleeves that roll up easily, so your arm is accessible for the blood draw
- Stay well hydrated before the test, as this makes veins easier to locate
- Continue taking your regular medications, including antihistamines, as this test measures antibodies rather than active histamine response
- Inform the phlebotomist about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- Small needle is inserted into the vein, and approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn into a yellow-top SST gel tube.
- Once the sample is collected, the elastic band and needle are removed. A cotton ball or small bandage is placed over the area to stop any bleeding.
- The entire process takes just a few minutes. You may feel a brief prick when the needle goes in, but it is generally not painful.
- The blood sample is stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C) until it is dispatched to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the sample is tested using the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) method, a technique that precisely detects and measures IgE antibodies.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test results:
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) in the blood, which can occasionally lead to false-positive readings
- Concurrent infections or other active allergic conditions, which may raise overall IgE levels
- Recent immunotherapy treatment, which may alter how results are interpreted
- Certain medications or supplements, which your doctor should be aware of before the test
Understanding Your Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum Test Results
Your results are reported as a specific IgE level in kU/L and assigned to a class (0 to 6). Your doctor will review these results alongside your symptoms, exposure history, and overall health.
The table below provides general reference ranges:
| Class | Specific IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.10 | Undetectable or absent |
| 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Very low level (clinical relevance undetermined) |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low level (weak positive) |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate level (positive) |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.4 | High level (positive) |
| 4 | 17.5 to 49.9 | Very high level (strong positive) |
| 5 | 50 to 100 | Very high level (strong positive) |
| 6 | Greater than 100 | Very high level (strong 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.
Values of 0.70 kU/L or above (class 2 and higher) are considered abnormally elevated. A result below 0.35 kU/L generally indicates no sensitisation to this mould.
Results During Special Conditions
Some specific situations can affect how results should be read:
- Patients with markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may show false-positive specific IgE results due to nonspecific binding of antibodies.
- Individuals who have undergone immunotherapy may have results that are harder to interpret, as the treatment can alter IgE antibody levels.
- Other active infections or allergic conditions present at the time of the test may elevate IgE levels and influence interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While these are general wellness suggestions and not treatment recommendations, the following steps may help reduce mould exposure:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% by using dehumidifiers or air conditioning, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens
- Use air purifiers fitted with HEPA filters in rooms you spend the most time in
- Fix water leaks and damp areas in your home promptly, as moisture encourages mould growth
Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Penicillium chrysogenum test is priced starting at ₹1,300 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below lists approximate prices by location.
| 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, Penicillium chrysogenum 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the Penicillium chrysogenum IgE test across multiple cities. Samples are collected by trained phlebotomists and processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Your digital report is delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penicillium chrysogenum is a blue-green mould commonly found on stale bread, fruits, nuts, and in soil in temperate climates. Its spores are easily released into the air, making it a significant cause of indoor mould allergies. It is also the mould used in the production of certain blue and green mould cheeses.
No. A positive Penicillium chrysogenum test result does not mean you are allergic to penicillin, the antibiotic. They are completely separate allergens. If you suspect a penicillin drug allergy, that needs to be investigated through a different test.
This test is suitable for anyone who experiences sneezing, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin irritation, or breathing difficulties when in damp or mouldy environments. People in occupations with high mould exposure, such as farming, baking, carpentry, or greenhouse work, may also benefit from this test.
Reports are typically ready within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Yes. The test can be performed on individuals of all ages, including children and pregnant women, when recommended by a treating doctor. A small blood sample is all that is needed.
A positive result indicates sensitisation to Penicillium chrysogenum, but the test alone is not sufficient to confirm an allergy diagnosis. Your doctor will consider your IgE level alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and any other relevant investigations before reaching a conclusion.
No specific medication changes are usually needed before this test. Antihistamines and most other regular medications can be continued, as the test measures antibodies rather than histamine. Always inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking so they can advise accordingly.
Allergy, Penicillium Chrysogenum Test
