Serologic testing is useful only to determine allergies to dematiaceous molds. Molecular methods are generally not used for identification unless at the highest level as might be used in a reference center. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is being developed as a method for the rapid detection of these molds.
Note: Nomenclature within the MALDI-TOF MS database may include reporting some molds as "complex"; this is because advances in molecular genetics of molds have grouped similar species; some are unable to be differentiated.
