Black Mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) Allergy Test

This IgE antibody allergy test uses a blood sample to determine if you are allergic to the mold Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), or black mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum (or Stachybotrys atra), also known as black mold, is a dark green or black microfungus. Black mold can be found on fiberboard, drywall, paper, dust, and lint, and it grows when there are ample heat and moisture, often from water damage or excessive humidity.¹ The mycotoxins found in Stachybotrys chartarum cause it to be harmful to both humans and pets.

What is Mold and Where Do You Find It?

Mold is, technically, a non-scientific term for many types of unwanted or non-useful fungi that are found both indoors and out. Mold is considered unwanted because of the negative health effects it has on humans when inhaled, and because it damages the material it grows on.² It’s dangerous to humans because of the toxic chemicals found inside molds known as mycotoxins. Fortunately, only a few dozen types of mold can cause allergic reactions, including Stachybotrys chartarum.³ 

The “seeds” of mold, known as spores for fungi, are spread by the wind, fog, and dew, along with other small fungus fragments. You can find mold and mold spores everywhere; it’s almost impossible to escape. Most molds are not harmful, but it’s important to know where the harmful types grow. Active mold requires moisture to develop and flourishes in hot, wet conditions. The introduction of water from flooding, roof leaks, or plumbing damage can quickly introduce mold into a home or building. 

What are the Symptoms of Black Mold?

You do not need to be allergic to mold to be affected by it, but those who are allergic, have asthma, or other respiratory diseases may be more sensitive to it and experience symptoms of greater intensity.⁴ 

The symptoms of a Stachybotrys chartarum allergy include:⁵

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Red or itchy eyes, or skin
• Irritated throat
• Upper respiratory tract symptoms 
• Asthmatic symptoms 
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Claimed cases of pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding of the lungs) in some infants⁶

How Common is Black Mold?

Black mold is somewhat uncommon in nature, and almost never grows to the scale it can in manmade structures. Stachybotrys chartarum thrives in areas such as in houses, offices, schools, and other buildings. These environments can promote the growth of black mold because they contain many cellulose-rich building materials and can experience little sunlight, large temperature fluctuations, high and consistent humidity, and low nitrogen with no competing molds.⁷ 

HealthLabs.com offers an easier, virtually pain-free blood test to determine the allergen status of substances without the irritation of traditional skin prick tests.

- Tests are administered at any of our 4,500+ nationwide locations

- Typical time to administer the test is 10-15 minutes

- Accurate results within 1 to 3 days

PLEASE NOTE: This Black Mold Allergy Test is different from our Black Mold Exposure Test (IgG).

Key Differences between a Black Mold Allergy Test (IgE) and a Black Mold Exposure Test (IgG):

• An IgE allergy test for Black Mold is designed to determine if an individual has an allergic reaction to Stachybotrys chartarum by measuring IgE antibodies (the immune system's immediate response to mold allergens) in the blood. IgE is a class of antibodies produced by the immune system when it overreacts to an introduced allergen, leading to allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and various respiratory issues.
• An IgG exposure test for Black Mold is designed to identify past or ongoing exposure to Black Mold, rather than an allergic response. IgG antibodies are produced by the immune system as a longer-term response to an antigen and can indicate exposure to toxins, but not necessarily identify an allergic reaction.

References

1. Stachybotrys chartarum: The Toxic Indoor Mold. The American Phytopathological Society (APS). https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/apsnetfeatures/Pages/Stachybotrys.aspx
2. Mold 101: Effects on Human Health. National Capital Poison Center. https://www.poison.org/articles/2011-oct/mold-101-effects-on-human-health
3. Mold Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://www.aafa.org/mold-allergy/
4. Mold. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mold/index.cfm
5. Stachybotrys Chartarum Definition. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/stachybotrys-chartarum
6.  Mold.  Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/mold-pregnancy/ 
7. Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds. Centers for Disease Control and Management. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm