What should you know about mould allergy test?

A mould allergy test checks whether the immune system reacts to selected mould allergens linked to your symptoms. Testing may use small skin exposures or a blood sample. Results are interpreted alongside the timing of symptoms, home or workplace exposures and other possible triggers; a positive result does not prove that mould is the only cause.

Skin testing is usually read after a short waiting period, while blood testing measures allergy-related antibodies. The clinician chooses allergens based on your history and explains whether the finding fits symptoms such as sneezing, blocked nose, itchy eyes, cough or wheeze. Mould sensitivity can overlap with Allergic Rhinitis, Allergic Conjunctivitis or Asthma, while dust mites, pets and foods may need separate assessment.

Tell the allergy clinician about medicines, pregnancy, skin conditions and previous reactions. Some antihistamines can interfere with skin testing, so only stop them if the clinician gives clear instructions. Keep a brief record of where symptoms occur, visible dampness, cleaning or renovation exposure, seasons and symptom changes after leaving the area. Do not deliberately expose yourself to mould to make the test more informative.

Tell staff immediately about breathing difficulty, throat tightness, faintness, widespread swelling or rapidly spreading hives during or after testing. These can signal a severe allergic reaction and need emergency treatment. Ongoing facial pain, reduced sense of smell or thick nasal discharge may need assessment for Chronic Sinusitis rather than assuming mould is responsible.

Ask which moulds are included, whether medicines need adjustment, how the result changes your treatment plan and whether another trigger should be tested. Discuss practical steps for damp areas, ventilation and professional mould removal without disturbing contaminated material unnecessarily.