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Can A Blood Test Detect Mold Spores On Skin?
Question: Is there a blood test that I can have done that will show whether or not I have mold spores, or any kind of external factors affecting my health?
Brief Answer:
not for every external factor...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some tests but not for every external factor. Clinical judgement is more important than tests sometimes but it depends on the problem. For example if we're talking about infections then clinical judgement is essential. There are some general tests that help the doctor suspect infectious causes (like C-reactive protein or procalcitonin) but they are not specific for any kind of pathogen. There are also certain tests for fungi but we need some clinical evidence of their existence (and a sample!). There is a blood test for widespread fungal disease but patients with such diseases are in a pretty serious situation (probably hospitalized with high fever and critical condition). For allergies, things might be difficult because we do know that fungi cause allergies but it's not always easy to find out for sure which one is implicated in every patient's case.
If you'd tell me what your problem is (your symptoms and any tests you may have done so far) then perhaps it could be easier for me to help you. But if you're looking for a test that covers all potential pathogens then you'll be disappointed.
Kind Regards!
not for every external factor...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some tests but not for every external factor. Clinical judgement is more important than tests sometimes but it depends on the problem. For example if we're talking about infections then clinical judgement is essential. There are some general tests that help the doctor suspect infectious causes (like C-reactive protein or procalcitonin) but they are not specific for any kind of pathogen. There are also certain tests for fungi but we need some clinical evidence of their existence (and a sample!). There is a blood test for widespread fungal disease but patients with such diseases are in a pretty serious situation (probably hospitalized with high fever and critical condition). For allergies, things might be difficult because we do know that fungi cause allergies but it's not always easy to find out for sure which one is implicated in every patient's case.
If you'd tell me what your problem is (your symptoms and any tests you may have done so far) then perhaps it could be easier for me to help you. But if you're looking for a test that covers all potential pathogens then you'll be disappointed.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
the tests should detect abnormalities if any...
Detailed Answer:
Regarding your oxygen levels... if the only drop when you're lying down then it's probably due to either heart or lung problems. Frist of all confirmation with arterial blood gases measurement is required. If the oxygen drop were only during your sleep then sleep-apnea syndrome would have been suspected. A heart echo and spirometry should be sufficient to detect the problem. Chest CT-scan might provide additional information. The aforementioned tests should document the functionality of your heart and lungs and any structural abnormalities you may have.
Kind Regards!
the tests should detect abnormalities if any...
Detailed Answer:
Regarding your oxygen levels... if the only drop when you're lying down then it's probably due to either heart or lung problems. Frist of all confirmation with arterial blood gases measurement is required. If the oxygen drop were only during your sleep then sleep-apnea syndrome would have been suspected. A heart echo and spirometry should be sufficient to detect the problem. Chest CT-scan might provide additional information. The aforementioned tests should document the functionality of your heart and lungs and any structural abnormalities you may have.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I agree...you would think.
I had 6 sleep studies done.....do not have sleep apnea and the oxygen levels drop when I am awake. It also drops when I am sitting outside in the heat...walking it is okay and if the temperature is cool...I can sit outside.
I had the copd test done...ct scan...and xrays...lungs are ok
had two stress test done....and a echo.........everything is showing ok.
I was told that my house had mold spores and had it treated. It was cleared so I was just trying to continue to figure out the problem.
That is why I am having the catherization done next week. none of my doctors can figure it out.......thanks for your assistance.
I had 6 sleep studies done.....do not have sleep apnea and the oxygen levels drop when I am awake. It also drops when I am sitting outside in the heat...walking it is okay and if the temperature is cool...I can sit outside.
I had the copd test done...ct scan...and xrays...lungs are ok
had two stress test done....and a echo.........everything is showing ok.
I was told that my house had mold spores and had it treated. It was cleared so I was just trying to continue to figure out the problem.
That is why I am having the catherization done next week. none of my doctors can figure it out.......thanks for your assistance.
Brief Answer:
I don't blame them!
Detailed Answer:
That's a tough one!
Since all the tests you've done so far are normal I can't blame your doctors for not having found the diagnosis yet! This kind of symptom is not documented in medical literature (at least as far as I know) and only transient (or functional) disorders like allergy or worsening of lung/heart failure could have explained it. Brain problems can also impair oxygenation but the transient nature of your symptoms makes them less likely.
There are various types of allergic reactions. Some of them cause structural changes that can be detected with chest CT scan. The most common types only cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, etc (something like an asthma attack).
There is a rare type of disorders (hemoglobinopathies) that may cause low oxygen saturation (with normal arterial blood gases and no symptoms). This is usually expected to be a constant finding...
I'll be very grateful if you'd inform me about the diagnosis when you get to know it. Here's my email address, if you'd like to do so: YYYY@YYYY
Kind Regards!
I don't blame them!
Detailed Answer:
That's a tough one!
Since all the tests you've done so far are normal I can't blame your doctors for not having found the diagnosis yet! This kind of symptom is not documented in medical literature (at least as far as I know) and only transient (or functional) disorders like allergy or worsening of lung/heart failure could have explained it. Brain problems can also impair oxygenation but the transient nature of your symptoms makes them less likely.
There are various types of allergic reactions. Some of them cause structural changes that can be detected with chest CT scan. The most common types only cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, etc (something like an asthma attack).
There is a rare type of disorders (hemoglobinopathies) that may cause low oxygen saturation (with normal arterial blood gases and no symptoms). This is usually expected to be a constant finding...
I'll be very grateful if you'd inform me about the diagnosis when you get to know it. Here's my email address, if you'd like to do so: YYYY@YYYY
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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