What is the Alternaria alternata IgE Test?

The Alternaria alternata IgE test measures the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to exposure to Alternaria mould. Alternaria is one of the most widespread airborne fungi in the UK and a major trigger for seasonal and perennial allergies.

This test helps determine whether your respiratory or skin symptoms are caused by sensitivity to Alternaria spores. Because mould exposure can fluctuate with weather, humidity and indoor environments, identifying this allergen allows targeted environmental control and treatment planning.

Alternaria is also strongly associated with asthma severity, especially in individuals whose symptoms worsen in damp or mould-prone environments. This test provides essential information for understanding allergy-related respiratory issues.

Why do I need a test for Alternaria IgE?

You may need this test if you have persistent allergy symptoms that worsen in damp environments, during summer and autumn, or in buildings with visible mould. Alternaria spores are microscopic, easily inhaled, and highly allergenic, making them a common trigger for asthma flare-ups, sinus problems and chronic nasal symptoms.

Testing is especially recommended if your symptoms do not respond to standard hay fever treatments, if there is a suspicion of mould sensitivity, or if you experience breathing problems when the weather is humid or after rainfall. Identifying this specific allergen helps clinicians personalise your allergy management plan.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion or runny nose
• Wheezing, coughing or asthma flares
• Shortness of breath, especially in humid or damp settings
• Chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections
• Eye irritation, redness or watering
• Symptoms that worsen in mould-affected buildings
• Allergy symptoms during late summer and autumn
• Children or adults with difficult-to-control asthma
• Living or working in damp environments

Benefits of the Alternaria alternata IgE Test

·      Identifies mould-specific allergy triggers
Pinpoints sensitivity to Alternaria, allowing tailored environmental and medical management.

·      Helps explain difficult respiratory symptoms
Alternaria is strongly linked to asthma exacerbations, making testing essential for poorly controlled asthma.

·      Supports accurate allergy diagnosis
Differentiates mould allergy from hay fever, dust mites or pet allergies, which share similar symptoms.

·      Guides allergen avoidance strategies
Knowing your trigger helps you reduce home and workplace exposure.

·      Enables personalised treatment planning
Results may guide antihistamine therapy, nasal steroids, immunotherapy and asthma management.

·      Useful for identifying environmental risks
Helps determine whether mould in your home, school or workplace is clinically significant.

·      Assists in diagnosing allergy-related sinus problems
Alternaria is commonly associated with chronic sinusitis and nasal inflammation.

·      Safe, reliable and non-invasive testing
A simple blood test that avoids the need for skin prick testing in sensitive individuals.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can complete the test in a UK clinic or book a mobile phlebotomy visit to your home or hotel.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Book an appointment at your nearest UK clinic.
2. A doctor or phlebotomist collects your blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for Alternaria-specific IgE.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Arrange a visit anywhere in the UK at a time that suits you.
2. A trained phlebotomist takes your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and sent to the laboratory safely.
4. You receive your results digitally, without having to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP, allergist or respiratory specialist.

Your Results Explained

Low / Negative Levels

A negative result means no significant Alternaria-specific IgE was detected.
Interpretation: unlikely to have a true allergic reaction to Alternaria mould.
Low levels may still cause mild symptoms in rare cases, but generally indicate no clinical allergy.

Normal / Expected Range

IgE within the expected population range suggests limited immune reactivity to Alternaria.
Symptoms may be caused by other allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pets.

High / Positive Levels

A high Alternaria-specific IgE level indicates mould sensitivity and confirms an allergic response.
This may explain asthma flare-ups, persistent rhinitis, chronic sinusitis or symptoms triggered in damp environments.
Higher IgE levels often correlate with stronger clinical reactions.