What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your IgG antibody levels mean and whether you have a sensitivity to Alternaria mold. These notes include personalized recommendations like environmental changes to reduce mold exposure, air quality improvements for your home, and whether you should consider allergy treatment options. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if you're making lifestyle changes or undergoing allergy treatment.

When will I get my results?

Most allergy blood test results are available within 2-5 business days after your sample reaches the laboratory. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account, along with easy-to-understand doctor notes explaining what your antibody levels mean.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for people with unexplained allergy symptoms that worsen during warm, humid weather or in damp environments. It's especially useful if you have year-round allergies that don't respond well to typical treatments, experience symptoms around compost piles or rotting vegetation, or suspect mold is triggering your respiratory issues. People with asthma that seems triggered by environmental factors should also consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of Alternaria mold allergy include persistent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, and wheezing. You may also experience skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or worsening asthma symptoms, particularly in late summer and fall when Alternaria spore counts are highest. If your symptoms improve when you're away from outdoor environments or worsen in damp, humid conditions, this test can help confirm mold sensitivity.

How can I naturally reduce my exposure to Alternaria mold?

Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. Regularly clean areas prone to moisture like windowsills, air conditioning units, and basements with mold-killing solutions. Outdoors, avoid raking leaves, mowing lawns, or working with compost piles during peak mold season (late summer and fall), or wear an N95 mask when doing yard work. Keep windows closed during high mold count days and use HEPA air filters in your home.

What is Alternaria alternata and why does it matter?

Alternaria alternata is one of the most common types of outdoor mold found worldwide, thriving in soil, plants, and decaying organic matter. It releases spores into the air, especially during warm, dry, windy weather following rain, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's a significant allergen because it's present year-round in many climates, with peak levels in late summer and fall, and can cause both respiratory and skin allergy symptoms.

What does high Alternaria IgG mean?

Elevated IgG antibodies to Alternaria indicate your immune system has been exposed to and recognizes this mold as a potential threat. While IgG responses are different from immediate IgE allergic reactions, elevated levels may suggest chronic exposure or sensitivity that contributes to ongoing symptoms like congestion, fatigue, or respiratory issues. High IgG levels help identify Alternaria as a trigger so you can take steps to reduce exposure and manage symptoms more effectively.