Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify hidden allergy triggers causing asthma, congestion, or skin reactions
- Skip the doctor's visit with convenient direct-access lab testing
- Get accurate results using ImmunoCAP technology for precise IgE measurement
- Guide treatment decisions including immunotherapy and environmental control strategies
- Confidential results delivered directly to your secure online account within days
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms like sneezing or wheezing
- People with asthma, rhinitis, or eczema seeking root causes
- Those considering allergy immunotherapy who need confirmation of sensitization
- Anyone with family history of allergies wanting preventive insights
- Patients who cannot undergo skin prick testing due to medications or skin conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor's note required; select your test and preferred lab location
- Visit the lab – Quick blood draw at a lab location near you
- Get results – Receive confidential results within 3–5 days in your online account
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, indicating dust mite allergy sensitization.
How accurate is this blood test? ImmunoCAP testing shows approximately 70% sensitivity and up to 90% specificity, matching skin prick tests (Tang et al., 2022).
Can I take this test if I'm on antihistamines? Yes, antihistamines don't affect blood IgE testing, unlike skin prick tests which require medication withdrawal.
What if my results are positive? Positive results indicate sensitization; consult an allergist to correlate with symptoms and discuss treatment options.
How common are dust mite allergies? Approximately 20–30% of the U.S. population is sensitized to dust mites (CDC, 2023).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels specific to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, a common house dust mite species. Dust mites are microscopic bugs related to ticks and spiders that thrive in warm, humid environments. They burrow into carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture, feeding on dead skin cells.
When you inhale dust mite particles, your immune system may mistakenly identify them as harmful invaders. This triggers IgE antibody production, releasing histamine and causing allergic reactions ranging from mild congestion to severe asthma symptoms. The test helps identify whether dust mites are triggering your symptoms (AAAAI, 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for anyone experiencing allergic symptoms without a clear cause. Common symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and skin reactions like hives or eczema.
You may also benefit if you're monitoring allergic disease progression, evaluating immunotherapy effectiveness, or have family history of allergies. Early detection helps reduce asthma exacerbations and improve quality of life while decreasing healthcare costs (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
In rare cases, dust mite exposure can trigger anaphylaxis—a severe, life-threatening reaction causing rapid pulse, throat swelling, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms that worsen indoors or at night. It's particularly useful before starting allergy immunotherapy to confirm sensitization, or when skin prick testing isn't feasible due to skin conditions, medications, or patient preference.
Consider testing if you have persistent asthma, chronic rhinitis, or eczema despite treatment. The test also helps differentiate dust mite allergy from other environmental triggers. Seasonal worsening or improvement of symptoms can guide optimal testing timing (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as specific IgE levels with reference ranges. Elevated IgE (class 2 or higher) suggests sensitization, but must be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms. Not all sensitized individuals develop allergic reactions, so correlation with your symptom history is essential.
Class 0–1 (Low/Normal)
- Meaning: No sensitization detected
- Action: Consider other allergens or causes
Class 2–3 (Moderate)
- Meaning: Moderate sensitization present
- Action: Implement environmental controls; monitor symptoms
Class 4–6 (High/Very High)
- Meaning: Significant sensitization detected
- Action: Consult allergist for treatment, including possible immunotherapy
About 20–30% of people test positive for dust mite sensitization, making it one of the most common indoor allergens.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required before this blood test. You can take your regular medications, including antihistamines and corticosteroids, as they don't affect IgE blood levels. However, inform the lab about all medications you're taking for complete records.
The blood draw involves standard venipuncture collecting approximately 0.3–0.5 mL of serum in a serum separator tube. The sample remains stable at room temperature or refrigerated during transport to the laboratory.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once to establish baseline sensitization
- During immunotherapy: Annually or as directed by allergist
- Symptom changes: When symptoms worsen or new reactions develop
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 1–2 years to assess progress
Why early detection matters
Early identification of dust mite allergy enables prompt intervention, preventing symptom progression and reducing asthma exacerbations. Untreated allergies can worsen over time, leading to chronic sinusitis, sleep disturbances, and decreased quality of life.
With a confirmed diagnosis, you can implement targeted environmental controls—allergen-proof bedding, humidity control below 50%, frequent vacuuming with HEPA filters, and minimizing carpet and upholstered furniture. These measures significantly reduce exposure and symptoms (AAAAI, 2024).
Early detection also guides appropriate treatment, including immunotherapy, which can modify the disease course and provide long-term relief. Studies show proper management reduces healthcare utilization and improves patient outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Total IgE Test – Measures overall IgE levels, providing context for atopy status and general allergic tendency.
Dust Mite Allergy IgE Blood Test – Tests for the other common dust mite species, broadening your allergen profile.
Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 3 IgE Blood Test – Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various allergens commonly found in the Georgia, Northern Florida, and South Carolina region.
