Mold Exposure: Testing Methods Hospitals Employ

Testing for mold exposure is a critical step in diagnosing and addressing mold-related health issues, which can range from mild allergic reactions to more severe respiratory issues and infections. Hospitals and medical professionals employ a variety of methods to test for mold exposure, including blood tests, skin prick tests, and mycotoxin tests. Blood tests detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mold exposure, while skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to small amounts of common molds to check for allergic reactions. Mycotoxin tests assess the presence or effects of mycotoxins (toxins produced by mold) in the body. In addition to these medical tests, skilled investigators may also be hired to conduct mold testing in homes or buildings to identify the presence and extent of mold growth, which can inform remediation decisions.

Blood tests

If you suspect you've been exposed to mould, it is important to seek medical help, especially if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, memory loss, lethargy, coughing, sneezing, congestion, irritated eyes, or skin discolouration.

During a blood test, a healthcare provider will use a thin needle to withdraw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, which measures the amount of IgE in your blood that binds to mould. Results from blood tests can take a week or longer, and these tests may have a higher rate of false-positive results.

There are also other methods to test for mould exposure, such as skin prick tests and mycotoxin tests. Skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to small amounts of common moulds to check for allergic reactions, while mycotoxin tests look at the presence or effects of mould toxins in the body.

It is recommended to consult a doctor or allergy specialist for guidance on the most appropriate test for your situation.

Skin prick tests

If you suspect mould exposure, it is important to consult a doctor, who may refer you to an allergy specialist for further testing and treatment. It is recommended to follow the doctor's post-care instructions to prevent your symptoms from worsening. In the meantime, keeping your windows closed and using a dehumidifier can help curb symptoms.

There are several treatments for mould-based allergies, including steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots. Additionally, nasal lavage, or rinsing your nose daily with salt water, can help alleviate irritating nasal symptoms.

While skin prick tests are a useful tool, they are becoming less common, and serological tests are now often used as an alternative method for diagnosing mould exposure and allergies.

Allergy specialists

If you suspect that you have been exposed to mould, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or lethargy.

Skin Prick Tests

Skin prick tests are a quick and common method to determine if mould is causing your symptoms. During this test, a small amount of concentrated mould is applied to your skin to study your skin's reaction. If you are allergic, you may exhibit symptoms such as skin discolouration (red, grey, or white) or raised, round spots called wheals that resemble mosquito bites. These reactions typically occur within 15 minutes of exposure to mould allergens. If you are diagnosed with a mould allergy, the allergy specialist may prescribe a steroid, antihistamine, or decongestant to alleviate your symptoms.

Blood Tests

Blood tests for mould exposure detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mould exposure. These tests are crucial for confirming mould-related health problems and can guide appropriate treatment. However, blood tests may take a week or longer to produce results, and they have a higher rate of false-positive results compared to skin prick tests.

It is worth noting that private companies and labs that advertise "toxic mould exposure" tests are often pseudoscientific and unreliable. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a trusted allergy specialist or healthcare provider first before pursuing private testing options.

Additionally, mould exposure may not always result in an allergic reaction. Some individuals may develop fungal infections (mycosis) in their airways or other body parts, especially if they have a weakened immune system due to immunodeficiency disorders or certain medications. In such cases, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment.

Environmental Testing

Environmental testing is typically used to identify and measure the presence of mould in a home or building. While it cannot determine your body's reaction to mould, it can be useful in justifying remediation expenses or documenting the success of cleanup efforts. However, mould testing should not be the first response to indoor air quality concerns, as it has limitations and may not always be necessary or cost-effective.

In summary, if you suspect mould exposure, consult with an allergy specialist or your primary care doctor, who can refer you to the appropriate specialist. They will perform the necessary tests, provide treatment options, and guide you on managing your symptoms and improving your environment to reduce mould exposure.

Mycotoxin testing

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by mould, and chronic exposure can lead to neurological damage, immune dysfunction, and other health issues. Mycotoxin testing is a critical step in diagnosing and addressing mould-related health issues.

Blood Tests

Blood tests for mycotoxin exposure detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mould exposure. These tests are crucial for confirming mould-related health problems and guiding appropriate treatment. MyMycoLab is a laboratory that specializes in blood serum antibody testing for mycotoxins. Their test panel detects 14 different mycotoxins for both IgG and IgE antibodies. This is considered the most precise and accurate method to determine if a person has been exposed to mycotoxins.

Skin Prick Tests

Skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to small amounts of common moulds to check for allergic reactions. This method can provide immediate results and is a quick way to determine if mould is the cause of your symptoms.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are another method for detecting mycotoxin exposure. RealTime Labs uses a small urine sample to determine if an individual has been exposed to toxic mould. However, some sources suggest that urine testing may not be as accurate or precise as blood tests, as it tests for mycotoxin metabolites rather than mycotoxins themselves.

Tissue Biopsy

In some cases, mycotoxin exposure may be detected through tissue biopsy collected by a physician.

Questionnaires

In addition to questionnaires, there are other methods for testing mold exposure, such as blood tests, skin prick tests, mucus testing, and imaging techniques. Blood tests can detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mold exposure, and skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to common molds to check for allergic reactions. Mucus testing is useful for identifying mold presence in the respiratory system, and imaging techniques such as chest X-rays or CT scans can reveal mold-related damage in the lungs.

It is important to note that the basic goals of any mold investigation are to find the locations of mold growth and determine the sources of moisture. While mold testing can be valuable in certain situations, it is not always necessary or effective, and visual inspections are often more reliable. If individuals are experiencing symptoms of a mold allergy or illness, they should seek medical help, and steps should be taken to clean up the mold and improve the indoor environment.

Frequently asked questions