Allergy - Penicillium Chrysogenum Test

Penicillium is the blue-green mold that we see so commonly in stale bread, fruits and nuts. This mold is used in the production of green-blue mold cheese. Penicillium is the cause of several indoor allergies as their spores are freely moving in the atmosphere. Penicillium chrysogenum is a species of Penicillium. Penicillium chrysogenum is important as it secretes and helps create the antibiotic Penicillin. The IgE or immunoglobulin E test is used to check for the allergy caused by mold.

There are no specific preparations required for the test. On the day of the test, wear a half-sleeved shirt or Tshirt to make the drawing of blood easier and convenient. You can also wear a shirt whose sleeves easily roll up. Apart from this, there is not much care you need to give prior to the test.

The test results are usually available in a few days’ time. If the IgE is high, it may mean that allergy is present. However, there is no specific amount or level associated with IgE that can tell you the severity of the allergy. Looking at your results and condition, your doctor will tell you the best course of action and give you proper medications.

• The procedure for the IgE test involves the following steps: Your doctor, or the lab technician, will draw blood for the sample from your vein. To draw the blood from the vein, the skin is cleaned using an antiseptic and to cause the vein to swell with blood, the doctor will place an elastic band on your upper arm.
• Once this is done, blood will be drawn from the vein and collected in a vial or syringe.
• After blood has been drawn, the plastic band and needle are removed and the area is covered using a cotton or bandage to stop bleeding.
• You will only need to spare a few minutes for the collection of blood.
• Drawing blood is not painful and you will only feel a prick when the needle is inserted.