Several fungal species have been associated with allergic reactions, the most common of which include the genera Alternaria, Celphalosporium and Aspergillus. The yeast Candida albicans is also an important allergen. In outdoor environments worldwide, the spores and mycelium debris of Alternaria and Cladosporium are most abundant from spring through to the fall. The degradation of leaves and biomaterial in the environment are the primary sources of these molds. The predominate molds isolated indoors include Aspergillus and Penicillium and are generally not subject to seasonal changes. In fact, these fungi have increased in abundance over the last 25 years as homes are furnished with more energy saving insulation.

Symptoms that have been associated with mold allergies include wheezing, allergic rhinitis, asthma, croup, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Research has demonstrated a strong association between early exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens and subsequent wheezing and asthma in children. In fact, statistics estimate that as many as 1 in 3 inner-city children are afflicted with indoor and/or inhalant allergens. In adults, mold allergies are thought to independently contribute to the initiation and/or perpetuation of reactive airway disease.

In the sensitive host, molds are capable of stimulating an antigen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response. When IgE attaches to specific IgE receptors, mast cells are activated with subsequent release of inflammatory mediators and chemotactic factors. This inflammatory response mediated by mold allergies is what affects the upper and lower respiratory tract. What can be confusing for both patient and clinician is the delayed response to mold allergens. For this reason, testing for specific IgE mold allergens can be invaluable way to identify the offending molds.

Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory now offers an allergy profile exclusively for IgE Molds. The panel includes 15 of the most commonly isolated molds. This test can be ordered separately, or as an adjunct test when performing the IgE Inhalants Profile. The latter panel has a combined mold antibody, and when positive confirms the need to further investigate the specific mold allergen.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

Click on test of interest on the right for more information.

Call our office for details. 
800-956-7083 OR 818-707-3126