From the Guidelines
Mold allergy testing is typically performed by an allergist-immunologist, a physician with specialized training in allergy and immunology. According to the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2006 1, an allergist-immunologist is uniquely trained in allergy testing, including skin tests and in vitro studies, and is qualified to evaluate and manage chronic or recurrent conditions related to allergies, such as rhinosinusitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma.
Key Points to Consider
- Allergist-immunologists have completed additional training in allergy and immunology, making them the most qualified specialists to perform mold allergy testing.
- They are trained to conduct various tests, including skin prick tests and blood tests, to identify specific mold allergens that trigger symptoms.
- Some ENT specialists may also perform allergy testing, particularly if symptoms affect the upper respiratory system, but an allergist-immunologist is the primary specialist for mold allergy testing.
- If you suspect a mold allergy, it is recommended to first consult with your primary care physician, who can refer you to an appropriate specialist, as advised in the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States 1.
From the Research
Mold Allergy Testing
- Mold allergy testing can be performed using skin prick tests (SPT) or serum IgE tests, which evaluate type I hypersensitivity reactions 2, 3.
- SPT solutions are sensitive and essential diagnostic tools for the detection of mold sensitization, and it is recommended to test at least Alt a, Asp f, and Pen ch using SPT and additional sIgE test to mx1 2.
- The skin prick test is a reliable method to confirm sensitization in IgE-mediated allergic diseases, but it can be affected by several personal and environmental factors, such as age, body mass index, and atopy 4.
- Allergists or healthcare professionals can perform mold allergy testing, and the choice of test depends on the individual's symptoms and medical history 3, 5.
Testing Methods
- Skin prick tests (SPT) are commonly used to diagnose mold allergy, and they involve placing a small amount of mold extract on the skin and observing the reaction 2, 4.
- Serum IgE tests measure the levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which can indicate an allergic reaction to mold 2, 3.
- The skin patch test method can be used to evaluate type IV hypersensitivity reactions, but it is not commonly used for mold allergy testing 3.
Factors Affecting Test Results
- Age can affect the results of skin prick tests, with larger histamine and allergen wheal sizes observed in children over 24 months of age 4.
- Body mass index and atopy can also affect skin reactivity to histamine and allergens 4.
- The duration of maximum histamine reactivity can vary depending on age, with 15 minutes being the optimal time for children over 24 months of age and 10 minutes for children under 24 months of age 4.