Quick Facts
- Sample: 0.2 mL serum
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify fungal allergen sensitization with precise ImmunoCAP® FEIA technology
- Quick results in 3-5 business days to guide treatment decisions faster
- No fasting or medication changes needed—convenient testing anytime
- Supports occupational and environmental allergy management strategies
- Confidential results reviewed by physicians for personalized guidance
Who Is This Test For?
- Agricultural workers experiencing respiratory symptoms near infected crops
- Individuals with unexplained allergic rhinitis or asthma episodes
- People living or working near farms with corn, wheat, or rye crops
- Anyone evaluating whether fungal molds trigger their allergies
- Patients seeking to differentiate fungal from other allergen sensitivities
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and choose convenient local or walk-in lab collection at your preferred location.
- Provide a small sample—just 0.2 mL of blood drawn into a standard serum collection tube.
- Receive confidential results in 3-5 business days with clear IgE sensitization levels.
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies specific to Tilletia tritici, a fungal allergen (corn smut), in your blood to identify sensitization.
Who should order this test? People with respiratory allergy symptoms who live or work near farms, or anyone investigating potential fungal allergy causes.
Do I need to prepare or fast? No—no fasting, dietary changes, or medication discontinuation is needed before testing.
How do I understand my results? Values of 0.35 kU/L or higher indicate sensitization; results must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical history with a healthcare provider.
Can this test help manage my allergies? Yes—positive results support environmental modifications, workplace controls, and personalized medical treatment plans tailored to your sensitization.
What if my result is negative? A negative result suggests you are not sensitized to Tilletia tritici; your symptoms may stem from other allergens or causes worth exploring.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test identifies IgE sensitization to Tilletia tritici, a fungal allergen commonly found in agricultural settings. Using advanced ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, it provides quantitative measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood (Thermo Fisher Scientific 2024). Early detection of fungal allergies helps you and your healthcare provider develop targeted management strategies and avoid respiratory complications.
Who would benefit from this test?
Agricultural workers, farm residents, and individuals regularly exposed to infected grain crops benefit most from this test. People with unexplained respiratory symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, or asthma—especially in occupational settings—should consider testing. Over 50% of patients evaluated for fungal allergies show positive responses to mold allergens, including Tilletia tritici (PubMed Central 2020). Anyone differentiating fungal from other allergen sources gains valuable clarity through this test.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you experience allergic rhinitis, asthma, or unexplained respiratory symptoms potentially linked to agricultural mold exposure. It's particularly valuable if you live or work near farms with wheat, corn, or rye crops. Healthcare providers often recommend testing during allergy evaluation to confirm or rule out fungal sensitization before prescribing treatment (Allergy Clinic London 2024). Testing is also useful for monitoring whether allergy treatments are improving your sensitization profile over time.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Consider other allergen causes; discuss symptoms with provider
IgE Level 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Implement environmental controls; monitor symptoms
IgE Level 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
Typical action: Begin targeted medical therapy; reduce exposure
IgE Level 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Aggressive avoidance; specialist evaluation recommended
IgE Level ≥ 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Immediate specialist referral; comprehensive allergy plan
A positive IgE test confirms sensitization, but clinical correlation with your symptoms and medical history is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required. You do not need to fast, avoid medications, or restrict your diet before this test. Simply have a small 0.2 mL serum sample collected in a standard red-top or gel-barrier tube. Maintain the specimen at room temperature or refrigerated according to lab guidelines to ensure accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
Initial screeningfor suspected fungal allergy:
- Once, then as clinically indicated
Monitoring allergy treatmenteffectiveness:
- Every 6–12 months during active treatment
Occupational exposure ongoing:
- Annually or per occupational health guidelines
Post-environmental intervention (e.g., relocation):
- 3–6 months after exposure reduction
Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment:
- As recommended by allergist or physician
Why early detection matters
Early identification of Tilletia tritici sensitization improves symptom control, reduces occupational disease burden, and lowers long-term healthcare costs (Thermo Fisher Scientific 2024). Knowing your allergen status allows you to implement targeted workplace or environmental controls—such as protective equipment or relocation—before symptoms escalate to chronic bronchitis or severe asthma. Prompt diagnosis and management prevent unnecessary productivity loss and quality-of-life decline, particularly for agricultural workers whose livelihoods depend on occupational exposure management.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE – Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
IgE Molds (15 IgE Molds + Total IgE) - Serum - Genova Test Kit – Helps find out if your body is allergic to certain molds by testing your blood for immune responses to 15 common mold types and checking your overall allergy level so you and your doctor can better understand and manage your symptoms.
Allergen Profile Mold Blood Test - Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various common molds.
