When clinicians suspect an invasive mold infection, time matters. The diagnostic process usually combines clinical judgment with imaging and specialized lab tests. Here’s a plain-language guide to what you might hear discussed on rounds.
What triggers a work-up?
- Persistent fever despite broad antibiotics
- Respiratory symptoms (cough, chest pain, shortness of breath)
- Sinus or facial symptoms (pain, swelling, congestion)
- Recent chemotherapy, transplant, or high-dose steroids that increase risk
Imaging first
- Chest CT scan: Helps reveal lung patterns that raise suspicion for mold infections.
- Sinus/facial CT or MRI: Considered when sinus or orbital symptoms are present.
Common lab tools (selected examples)
- Galactomannan (GM): A biomarker often checked in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to support evaluation for certain molds such as Aspergillus.
- β-D-glucan (BDG): A broad fungal cell wall marker sometimes used alongside other tests; results must be interpreted carefully with the clinical picture.
- Cultures & tissue biopsy: Direct sampling from the lungs, sinuses, or other tissues can identify the organism and guide therapy.
- PCR/molecular assays: Some centers use DNA-based tests on respiratory samples to detect fungal genetic material.
- Routine labs: Blood counts and chemistry panels help assess overall status and treatment readiness.
Why no single test is “the answer”
Results can be influenced by prior medications, timing of sample collection, and the specific fungus involved. That’s why teams combine history, imaging, and multiple tests rather than relying on one result.
What patients and caregivers can do
- Share a concise timeline of symptoms and medications (including antibiotics, steroids, antifungals).
- Ask how and when samples will be collected, and what follow-up imaging or labs to expect.
- Keep appointments—trend data over days to weeks often clarifies the picture.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional about symptoms, testing, and treatment decisions.v