Alternaria Alternata Allergy
What is Alternaria alternata Allergy Test
The Alternaria alternata allergy blood test measures the total amount of allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in an individual’s blood. IgE is a type of antibody which is produced by the body’s immune system. A substance that triggers an allergic immune response is known as an allergen.
Alternaria alternata is a fungus that typically grows on different plants and trees, but it can also flourish indoors in dimly lit, moist environments. For some individuals, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions, Alternaria spores can cause allergy symptoms.
Thus, getting an Alternaria alternata allergy test done is recommended to diagnose allergy to Alternaria alternata.
Symptoms of fungus allergy
Difficulty in breathing
Red patches and rashes
Wheezing
Coughing
Itchy, watery eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Preparation for the test
No special preparation is required for the Alternaria alternata allergy test.
Interpretation of results
An allergy is typically indicated by an elevated level of IgE antibodies specific to Alternaria alternata.
|
Class         |
Levels of specific IgE – Kilo Units per Litre (kU/L) |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.31 |
Low/equivocal |
|
1 |
0.32-0.55 |
Low |
|
2 |
0.56-1.40 |
Moderate |
|
3 |
1.41-3.90 |
High |
|
4 |
3.91-19.0 |
Very High |
|
5 |
19.01-100.0 |
Very High |
|
6 |
> or =100 |
Very High |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
- An elevated IgE level is indicative of an allergy to Alternaria alternata.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations may be elevated in a number of clinical diseases, such as allergic disease, some primary immunodeficiencies, infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for an Alternaria alternata allergy blood test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this process does not take more than 5 minutes.
What are the risks associated with an Alternaria alternata allergy blood test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the Alternaria alternata allergy blood test?
Test result of an Alternaria alternata allergy blood test is usually available within 5 working days after the sample collection. However, it could take longer at times.
How to get rid of Alternaria alternata mould?
An effective and quick way to get rid of the Alternaria alternata mould is to liberally spray all the infected plants with Liquid copper fungicides. This helps to treat and get rid of all the mould present and also stops any further outbreaks of Alternaria alternata.
How does Alternaria alternata spread?
Alternaria alternata fungus resides in infected seeds and spreads through spores when dispersed by wind, water, etc. These spores then infiltrate other plants, moist environments, etc. and cause black spots or lesions.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics