House Dust Mites/Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, IgE, Serum
Use
The test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) by identifying specific IgE antibodies in serum. It helps define the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms of an allergic response and is valuable for confirming sensitization prior to starting immunotherapy. The test also investigates the specificity of allergic reactions to various allergens, including insect venom, drugs, or chemicals. However, IgE testing is not useful for monitoring previous immunotherapy or when medical management does not depend on allergen identification.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the 'Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies' PDF provided by Mayo Clinic. If not ordering electronically, complete and send an 'Allergen Test Request' form (T236) with the specimen. Mentioned collection instruction stresses centrifuging and aliquoting serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies may yield false positives in patients with high total IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding. Measurable IgE levels in some individuals might not correlate with clinical significance, necessitating interpretation within the clinical context.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6096-2
- 6096-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL. For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK. Gross lipemia: OK.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |