also known as Aspergillus fumigatus IgG4 Ab in Serum by Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
This IgE antibody allergy test uses a blood sample to determine if you are allergic to Aspergillus niger fungus (black mold) spores. Aspergillus is the most commonly found fungi and typically resides in the soil. There are many strains of the Aspergillus, but Aspergillus niger is by far the most common. A. niger, is responsible for the post-harvest decay of fresh fruit such as grapes, apples, pears, peaches, figs, strawberries, mangoes, melons, and onions. The decay is typically called "black mold" or "black rot." Aspergillus niger is less likely than other Aspergillus species to cause disease in humans. However, in some cases it has been known to cause pneumonia, and it is one of the most common causes of fungal ear infections, which can result in ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and, in severe cases, damage to the ear canal. Additionally, certain strains of A. niger are known to secrete toxins which can give rise to kidney toxicity and renal tumors when consumed by a variety of animal species. Despite this, A. niger is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and is used to manufacture several food additives, vitamins, medicines, and industrial enzymes (like citric and gluconic acid). Aspergillus very rarely causes food allergies when ingested, but it can cause a lot of allergies when it's breathed in. Typical symptoms of an A. niger allergy include:SneezingItchingRunny NoseCongestionAsthmaItchy, watery eyesAnaphylaxis (rare)Symptoms can begin right away or they can be delayed, creating symptoms that worsen over time with increased exposure to the fungus. HealthLabs.com offers an easy, virtually pain-free blood test to determine if you're allergic to certain substances without the hassle of the traditional skin prick test. - 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 2 business daysWith HealthLabs.com, you'll enjoy no paperwork, no appointments, and no doctor's referral needed. Simply order the test, visit the lab, and receive results! Allergy testing has never been easier!