Test: Serum IgE Test - Dust Mites

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae)– sometimes called bed mites – are the most common cause of allergy from house dust. Dust mites live and multiply easily in warm, humid places. They prefer temperatures at or above 70 degrees F with humidity of 75 to 80 percent. They die when the humidity falls below 50 percent. They are not usually found in dry climates. Dust mite particles are often found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They float into the air when anyone vacuums, walks on a carpet or disturbs bedding, and they settle once the disturbance is over. Dust mites are a common cause of asthma in children. A house does not need to be visibly dirty to trigger a dust mite allergy reaction. The particles are too tiny to be seen and often cannot be removed using normal cleaning procedures. In fact, a vigorous cleaning can make an allergic person’s symptoms worse.

Procedure

A blood sample is obtained from the patient, typically from a venipuncture.
The sample is stored in a red cap vile.
Testing is performed in a lab using an ELISA analyzer or similar technology.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Serum specific IgE Test - Dust Mite

Criteria

• Low reading on scale

Measurement

LOINC Code

6095-4

Scale/Grading

selection range; grade - LOINC ID
Option - Value option selection range; grade - LOINC IDNegative < 0.01 ; Pass - LA6111-4Equivocal-Low between 0.1-0.31 ; Fail - LA6112-2Low between 0.32-0.55 ; Fail - LA6113-0Moderate between 0.56-1.4 ; Fail - LA6114-8High between 1.4-3.9 ; Fail - LA6115-5Very High between 3.91-19 ; Fail - LA10137-0Extremely High > 19 ; Fail - LA10138-8