Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum via venipuncture
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around time: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate allergy confirmation without a doctor's referral in most states
- Quantifies your immune response with advanced ImmunoCAP® technology (>90% sensitivity/specificity)
- Fast results to guide targeted treatment and lifestyle changes
- Prevent complications like asthma exacerbations and eczema flare-ups through early detection
- Cost-effective screening compared to traditional clinic visits
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing persistent sneezing, congestion, or watery eyes at home
- Anyone with wheezing, asthma symptoms, or nighttime coughing worsened by dust
- Individuals with unexplained skin rashes or chronic eczema
- Those with a family history of allergies or asthma seeking preventive answers
- Health-conscious individuals wanting to confirm dust mite sensitivity before treatment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No prescription needed. Choose your preferred collection location.
- Provide a blood sample - Quick venipuncture at a nearby lab or at home; results reviewed by medical professionals.
- Get clear results - Receive specific IgE antibody levels within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies in your blood that react to dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae and pteronyssinus), indicating whether your immune system is sensitized to dust mites.
Who should order this test? Anyone experiencing allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, wheezing, skin rashes, or those with a family history of allergies wanting confirmation before starting treatment.
Will medications affect my results? Yes. Antihistamines and immunotherapy can influence IgE levels. Disclose all medications to your lab before testing for accurate results.
How do I know if my results indicate an allergy? Elevated specific IgE levels suggest sensitization. Your results are compared to reference ranges and interpreted by a healthcare provider alongside your symptoms.
Can I get this test without seeing my doctor? Yes. Walk-in labs offer direct-to-consumer testing in most states without a physician referral, making allergy screening quick and confidential.
What should I do after I get my results? Consult a physician to develop a personalized allergy management plan. Consider environmental changes like allergen-proof bedding and humidity control below 50%.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that react to house dust mites. It uses advanced ImmunoCAP® technology to quantitatively detect allergic sensitization, helping your doctor diagnose conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema triggered by dust mite exposure. Approximately 20% of the U.S. population shows sensitization to dust mite allergens, making this screening invaluable for targeted treatment planning (StatPearls, 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
You'd benefit if you experience hay fever-like symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes), wheezing, or skin irritation that worsens indoors or at night. This test is also valuable if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema, or if you want preventive insight before starting allergy treatment. Anyone seeking a convenient, confidential way to identify dust mite sensitization without a doctor's office visit is an ideal candidate.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when allergy symptoms persist or worsen in dusty environments, or if you want to confirm dust mite sensitivity before beginning treatment. It's also useful if you're experiencing new respiratory or skin symptoms and suspect environmental allergens. Early identification allows you to implement targeted management strategies and potentially prevent asthma exacerbations (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2022).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results show specific IgE levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Compare your values to the reference ranges provided:
IgE Level < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: No dust mite allergy likely present
IgE Level 0.35–0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor for symptoms; consider preventive measures
IgE Level 0.71–3.50 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Likely dust mite allergy; discuss treatment options
IgE Level 3.51–17.50 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Significant allergy; implement an allergy management plan
IgE Level > 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Strong allergy; coordinate treatment with your physician
Elevated levels indicate your immune system is reacting to dust mites; a healthcare provider should review results in context with your symptoms and medical history (Mayo Clinic Laboratories, 2024).
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 test. Simply schedule your venipuncture at a convenient time. Before testing, inform your lab about all medications you're taking, especially antihistamines, decongestants, or any immunotherapy treatments, as these can influence IgE levels and test interpretation. Arrive well-hydrated to make blood collection easier.
How often should I get tested?
Initial Screening
- Test once to establish a baseline diagnosis.
Monitoring a Known Allergy
- Retest every 1–2 years, or sooner if symptoms change.
After Starting Immunotherapy
- Retest per physician guidance (typically annually).
Symptom Management Check-In
- Retest as needed if symptoms worsen or persist
Why early detection matters
Early identification of dust mite allergy allows you to implement targeted prevention strategies—like allergen-proof bedding, humidity control below 50%, and regular cleaning—before symptoms escalate. This proactive approach can significantly reduce asthma exacerbations, eczema flare-ups, and overall healthcare costs. Knowing your sensitization status also helps your doctor recommend the most effective treatment, whether environmental modifications, medications, or immunotherapy.
Related tests you may consider
Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels to detect an allergy to house dust mites
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Eosinophil (EOS) Count Blood Test - Checks the number of eosinophils in your blood, which can indicate allergic reactions, asthma, parasitic infections, or inflammatory conditions, helping doctors diagnose and manage these health issues effectively.
