Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Alternaria IgE Blood Test, Alternaria Mould Allergy Test, Alternaria m6 IgE Test, Mould Allergy Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 5 working days |
| Recommended For | All ages, especially those with respiratory symptoms, asthma, or suspected mould allergy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test?
The Alternaria Alternata Allergy test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system produces specific antibodies in response to Alternaria alternata, a common outdoor mould. It measures a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which the body releases when it reacts to an allergen. Doctors typically order this test when a patient reports ongoing respiratory or skin symptoms that may be linked to mould exposure. It is also known as the Alternaria IgE blood test or the Alternaria m6 IgE Test.
What Does an Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test Measure?
This test measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies directed against Alternaria alternata in a blood sample. The result tells your doctor whether your immune system has been sensitised to this particular mould.
The table below shows how results are classified by IgE level:
| IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 0.35 | Negative (no sensitisation detected) |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive (low-level sensitisation) |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive |
| 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high positive |
| 50.00 and above | Very high positive |
Some laboratories also report results using a class system from 0 to 6, where Class 0 corresponds to a level below 0.35 kU/L and Class 6 corresponds to a level of 100 kU/L or above.
Why Is an Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test if your symptoms point to a mould-related allergy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt your doctor to request an Alternaria IgE blood test. These include:
- Persistent runny or blocked nose
- Cough and postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery eyes
- Dry and itchy skin
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness, particularly in people with asthma
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify whether Alternaria alternata is contributing to the following conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (sometimes called hay fever) triggered by mould
- Allergic sinusitis
- Asthma associated with mould exposure, including severe and difficult-to-control forms
- Fungal allergen-related respiratory conditions; Alternaria is considered one of the most significant sources of fungal allergens worldwide
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 Alternaria Alternata Allergy test. You can eat and drink normally before your sample is collected. If additional tests have been ordered alongside this one, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure a smooth experience:
- No dietary changes are needed before the test.
- Tell your doctor or collection staff about any medications you are currently taking.
- Antihistamines do not generally interfere with blood-based IgE tests, unlike skin prick tests.
- If possible, book your test when you are experiencing symptoms or after a period of suspected mould exposure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during your sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and roll up your sleeve.
- A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The process usually takes no more than five minutes.
- The blood is collected into a special tube designed to separate the serum (the liquid part of blood) from the cells.
- The serum is separated within two hours of collection to maintain sample quality.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where an immunoassay method is used to detect and measure IgE antibodies.
- Results are expressed in kU/L units and made available within five working days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions can affect the quality of your sample or the interpretation of results:
- The laboratory may reject haemolysed samples (where red blood cells have broken down).
- Samples with high bilirubin (jaundice) or high fat content may be unsuitable for testing.
- IgE levels do not always reflect how severe your symptoms will be in practice.
- Results must be read alongside your full clinical history, not in isolation.
Understanding Your Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test Results
Your doctor will review your results in the context of your symptoms and medical background. The table below provides a general guide to result categories:
| IgE Level (kU/L) | Category | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.35 | Negative | No sensitisation to Alternaria alternata detected |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive | Low-level sensitisation present |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive | Moderate sensitisation |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive | High-level sensitisation |
| 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high positive | Very high sensitisation |
| 50.00 and above | Very high positive | Very high sensitisation |
A negative result suggests your symptoms are not caused by Alternaria alternata, and your doctor may look at other possible causes. A positive result indicates sensitisation to this mould, though it does not predict the exact severity of any reaction.
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
A few factors can make results harder to interpret:
- Cross-reactivity can occur, meaning your immune system may react to proteins in other moulds that resemble those in Alternaria alternata, potentially producing a positive result even without direct Alternaria exposure.
- A positive IgE result may persist even after an allergy has been outgrown, so the result alone does not confirm an active allergy.
- False-positive and false-negative results can occur due to the patient's age or the nature and duration of allergen exposure.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips may help reduce mould exposure at home and outdoors:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% to limit mould growth in your living spaces.
- Use HEPA air filters indoors and avoid areas with visible damp or mould.
- Stay indoors on days when outdoor mould spore counts are high, particularly during late summer and early autumn.
Lupin Diagnostics Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test Price and Home Collection
The Alternaria Alternata Allergy test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home sample collection across multiple cities. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking, as pricing may vary by location.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,300 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,300 |
| Chennai | ₹1,300 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,300 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,300 |
| Pune | ₹1,300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your mould allergy test with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- 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 sample collection for the Alternaria Alternata Allergy test across cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternaria alternata is a common outdoor mould whose spores spread through warm, dry air and reach peak levels in summer and early autumn. It is one of the most significant sources of fungal allergens globally. Testing for it helps confirm whether this mould is responsible for your allergy symptoms.
The Alternaria IgE blood test measures antibody levels in a blood sample taken from your arm. A skin prick test, by contrast, introduces the allergen directly to the skin. The blood test carries no risk of triggering a severe allergic reaction and can be performed even if you are currently taking antihistamines.
No. This test is specific to Alternaria alternata. Other moulds require separate IgE tests. If your doctor suspects allergies to multiple moulds, they may recommend a broader mould allergy panel.
Yes. Alternaria sensitisation is strongly associated with the development and worsening of asthma in both children and adults, and is often linked to severe, difficult-to-control forms of the condition.
Not necessarily. A significant proportion of people who test positive for sensitisation experience few or no symptoms upon exposure. The IgE level measured by the test does not reliably indicate how severe a reaction will be.
Spore counts are detectable from May to November, with the highest levels typically recorded in late summer and early autumn. Symptoms may be more noticeable during this period.
Alternaria Alternata Allergy Test: Booking, Price, and Results
