Details
Why Test For Mold Allergies?
Molds thrive in warm, damp and humid conditions – and are commonly found in various indoor and outdoor environments, including homes, schools and office buildings; agricultural settings (especially in crops, hay and silage); and industrial and health care settings where high moisture, water damage, and poor ventilation is present. Exposure to mold can trigger abnormal immune reactions, detectable through measuring the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to mold species.
Given their ubiquitous presence, testing should be considered in anyone with signs and/or symptoms of mold exposure – or an environmental history for a known current or past exposure to mold.
MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy Panel tests for 13 mold allergens that can cause mold-related illnesses and allergy symptoms, including cough, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, and runny nose. It can also provide insight into potential triggers for abnormal immune responses like mold-induced asthma and fungal sinusitis.
It’s important to note that this panel is distinct from MosaicDX’s MycoTOX Profile: The IgE Mold Allergy Test is a serum test that provides insight into the presence of mold allergens, while the MycoTOX Profile is a urine assay that assesses the levels of mycotoxins – low molecular weight, secondary metabolites of molds – excreted from the body. These complementary profiles each provide a unique lens to assess potential mold-related illness in symptomatic individuals or those with known mold exposure.
Learn More About the IgE Mold Allergy Test: Explore FAQs
Analytes
The IgE Mold Allergy Panel includes 13 mold allergen markers known to be involved in mold-related illnesses.
Below is a list of all all analytes included in the test along with a brief description:
- A common outdoor mold allergen found in soil and on many plants. Commonly associated with asthma. Also found in damp, poorly ventilated or water damage buildings.
- Ubiquitous, common in outdoor air, contaminates foodstuffs such as stored grains and crops, and decaying plant material (compost, peat, hay, soil, wood chips). A. fumigatus readily grows in indoor environments
on dampened building materials (plasterboard, wood, chipboard, ceiling tiles, cardboard, and insulation material) usually producing a light to medium growth, grey to greyish-green. Species of Aspergillus produce the mycotoxins aflatoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, gliotoxin, and citrinin. All are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- Commonly found in soil and plant materials. May form fungal balls of the sinuses or cause dermatomycosis, keratitis, allergic sinusitis, central nervous system infections, and disseminated infections,as well as allergic bronchopulmonary disease, endarteritis, endocarditis, and peritonitis. Bipolaris species produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- A fungus that can grow on plants, fruits, and vegetables, causing decay and crop damage. It is characterized by its gray, fuzzy appearance and can cause serious damage to crops by causing rot and decay. Botrytis Cinerea is often found in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and areas with poor ventilation. It can also grow on damp or decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves or compost piles.
- A yeast that grows in the gastrointestinal tract as part of the normal GI microbiome. Also found in the genitourinary tract and on skin. Overgrowth of Candida can lead to immune stimulation manifesting as inflammation, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, brain fog, etc. The mycotoxin produced by C. albicans is gliotoxin and is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- Common outdoor mold found in 70% of homes tested in the US. Found in food stuffs, paint, windowsills, HVAC systems.
- Widespread in grasslands and agricultural areas. Found in the Midwest during cool, dry autumns. Can contaminate foodstuffs and textiles.
- Often found in cereal grains: corn, oats, rye, barley, and buckwheat. Though commonly found outdoors, it can grow in water-damaged buildings as well. Can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis especially in occupational settings. A frequent cause of upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Species of Fusarium produce the mycotoxin zearalenone, roridin E, enniatin B, and verrucarin A which are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- Found in soil and in foods (moldy cheese, fresh fruits, and smoked foods, yogurt, spices, and nuts). Individuals in agricultural occupations tend to have a high exposure rate.
- Found in food and damp buildings. Can cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia, localized granulomas, fungus balls, asthma and systemic infections like endophthalmitis. Species of this mold produce the mycotoxins gliotoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and mycophenolic acid, which are measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- A phytopathogen found in aquatic environments and soil; these fungi have been isolated from water sources, food, and crops, acting as opportunistic pathogens when a suitable host is exposed.Contamination of potatoes or corn can contaminate seeds, nuts, soybeans, potatoes, bananas, sorghum,maize, kiwi berries, lemons, tomatoes, eggplants, pomegranates, and cereal grains. Species of Phoma produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is measured in the MycoTOX Profile.
- This type of mold that belongs to the Zygomycetes group. It is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and fruits and vegetables. It has a fast growth rate and can spread quickly, making it a common cause of food spoilage and infection.
- Found worldwide and a common contaminant of grains and corn. Thrives in a warm moist environment. May contaminate a water-damaged building but not seen as frequently as other molds.
Sample Reports
The IgE Mold test report is a useful resource for practitioners who want to gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of mold-related illnesses.
Test Prep and Instructions
MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that simplify testing. Our kits include visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection, personalized shipping cards, and pediatric collection bags if needed. With MosaicDX, patients can easily collect samples for testing with confidence and accuracy.
Patient Resources
Assets for practitioners to support patients in understanding mold allergies and MosaicDX’s IgE Mold Allergy test, enhancing their patients’ comprehension, decision-making, and overall health journey.
