Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgE (ImmunoCAP), Aspergillus Fumigatus IgE Antibody Test, A. fumigatus IgE, Mould Sensitisation Test - Aspergillus |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, particularly those with asthma, cystic fibrosis, or suspected mould allergy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test?
The Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test measures the level of specific IgE antibodies in your blood that your immune system has produced against a common environmental mould called Aspergillus fumigatus. Doctors order this test when a patient shows signs of a possible mould allergy or a related lung condition. A small blood sample drawn from a vein is all that is needed. This test is also referred to as the Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgE (ImmunoCAP) or the Aspergillus Fumigatus IgE Antibody Test.
What Does an Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test Measure?
This test detects and quantifies one specific type of antibody in your blood. The result shows whether your immune system has reacted to Aspergillus fumigatus spores and, if so, how strongly.
The test measures the following parameters:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE antibodies | Whether your immune system has been sensitised to this mould, and the degree of that sensitisation |
IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is a protein your immune system releases when it perceives a substance as a threat. Elevated levels of this specific IgE indicate an allergic response to Aspergillus fumigatus.
Why is an Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test for several reasons, from evaluating unexplained respiratory symptoms to monitoring a known lung condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a mould sensitisation test for Aspergillus:
- Persistent wheezing or breathlessness
- Chronic cough, sometimes producing brown mucus plugs
- Frequent nasal congestion, runny nose, or sneezing
- Chest tightness not explained by another condition
- Worsening asthma that does not respond well to standard treatment
- Repeated respiratory flare-ups in people with cystic fibrosis
- Weakened immune system due to an organ or stem cell transplant
- Recurrent fever and fatigue
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can support the diagnosis of several conditions. These include:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immune-driven lung disorder caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus colonising the airways, most commonly seen in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis
- Severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS), a form of difficult-to-control asthma linked to sensitivity to fungal species
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) triggered by mould exposure
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a type of lung inflammation caused by repeated inhalation of mould spores
Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with ABPA, this test plays a useful role in ongoing care. Tracking IgE levels over time helps doctors assess whether the condition is active or in remission. A rise in IgE levels alongside worsening symptoms can signal a flare-up, while a decline in levels may indicate a positive response to treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, making it straightforward to fit into your routine.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the Aspergillus Fumigatus IgE Antibody Test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure accurate results. Keep these in mind before your appointment:
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially antihistamines or corticosteroids
- Avoid antihistamines for about seven days before the test if your doctor advises it, as these can affect IgE levels
- Drink enough water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and simple. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic swab.
- A soft tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A thin needle is used to draw a small amount of blood from the vein.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton swab or bandage is placed over the site. The process takes only a few minutes.
- Your blood sample is labelled and stored correctly for transport.
- It is sent to the laboratory, where it is analysed using the ImmunoCAP fluorescent enzyme immunoassay method to measure your specific IgE levels.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test result. Be aware of the following:
- Taking antihistamines or corticosteroids before the test may lower detectable IgE levels
- Very high overall IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may occasionally lead to a false-positive result
- Haemolysed (damaged red blood cells), jaundiced, or fatty blood samples may need to be repeated
- Recent heavy exposure to mould spores could temporarily raise antibody levels
Understanding Your Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test Results
Your result will be reported as a numerical value in kU/L (kilounits per litre) and assigned a class from 0 to 6. A doctor should always review your results alongside your symptoms and medical history.
| Class | Value (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.10 | Negative |
| Class 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Borderline/Equivocal |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Equivocal |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.4 | High positive |
| Class 4 | 17.5 to 49.9 | Very high positive |
| Class 5 | 50 to 99.9 | Very high positive |
| Class 6 | Greater than or equal to 100 | Very high positive |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some circumstances can make results harder to interpret. Your doctor will take these into account:
- Patients with a total serum IgE above 2,500 kU/L may show false-positive results due to nonspecific binding to the allergen used in the test.
- A very low or undetectable result does not completely rule out an allergic reaction; in rare cases, levels below 0.10 kU/L have been associated with serious allergic responses.
- Higher IgE levels do not always correspond directly to the severity of symptoms experienced during actual allergen exposure.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test identifies sensitisation, some general steps can reduce ongoing mould exposure:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% and ensure bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are well ventilated
- Use HEPA air filters in your home to reduce airborne mould spores
- Avoid spending extended time in damp areas such as compost heaps or poorly ventilated buildings
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection offered across cities in India. Prices vary by location, as shown below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹1,300 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,300 |
| Chennai | ₹1,300 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,300 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,300 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,300 |
| Pune | ₹1,300 |
| Bhubaneshwar | ₹1,300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgE (ImmunoCAP) test with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for this test across multiple cities, so you do not need to travel to a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is shared via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspergillus fumigatus is a mould found widely in soil and decaying plant matter. Most people breathe in its spores daily without any problem. In some individuals, however, the immune system treats these spores as a threat and produces IgE antibodies, leading to allergic symptoms in the respiratory tract.
This test is particularly useful for people with persistent wheezing, chronic cough, or chest tightness that has no clear explanation. Those with asthma or cystic fibrosis, and those regularly exposed to damp or mouldy environments, are also good candidates for this mould sensitisation test.
No. This test detects an allergic immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus, not an active fungal infection in the body. If your doctor suspects a true fungal infection, additional tests such as a culture or tissue biopsy may be needed alongside this one.
Both tests check for sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus, but a serum IgE test like the ImmunoCAP offers greater standardisation and is easier to repeat over time. Many clinics prefer it for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like ABPA because the results are more consistent across different laboratories.
A positive result means your immune system has produced IgE antibodies in response to Aspergillus fumigatus. Higher values suggest greater sensitisation. Your doctor will use this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to decide on the next steps, which may include reducing mould exposure or further evaluation.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment. The test can be done at any time of the day, as IgE levels remain stable throughout the day.
Yes, some medications can influence your result. Antihistamines and corticosteroids in particular may reduce detectable IgE levels, potentially leading to a lower reading than expected. Always tell your doctor and the collection team about any medicines you are taking before the test.
Allergy Aspergillus fumigatus Test: Booking, Price, and Results
