What does the Cheese Mold Type (f82) Immunoglobulin E test measure?

Why is Cheese Mold Type (f82) Immunoglobulin E measured?

Detection of serum IgE specific to cheese mould indicates sensitisation, not necessarily clinical allergy. Sensitisation may explain immediate reactions — urticaria, angio-oedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, or anaphylaxis — following ingestion of mould-ripened cheeses or inhalation of spores during cheese handling. Cross-reactivity with environmental Penicillium species is common, complicating interpretation in patients with concurrent respiratory mould allergy. The test helps practitioners confirm the relevance of cheese-mould exposure in the context of reproducible symptoms and supports targeted dietary avoidance when clinically indicated.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

<0.35 kU/L is considered negative; ≥0.35 kU/L indicates detectable specific IgE.

Functional medicine optimal

Specific IgE tests are qualitative or semi-quantitative; undetectable (<0.35 kU/L) is the expected state in non-sensitised individuals, while any detectable level warrants correlation with clinical history.

Units

kU/L, IU/mL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.