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Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-Specific IgE, Serum — RAST, Qualitative

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test that checks for IgE antibodies to the house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Quick summary

["A positive result indicates an immune sensitization to house dust mites, which may contribute to allergy symptoms."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
81974-8
Short code
Deprecated D pteronyss (rDer p) 10 IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated D pteronyss (rDer p) 10 IgE RAST Ql
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test looks for allergen-specific IgE antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, a common house dust mite. A positive result is sometimes described as a positive RAST result.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered to help evaluate sneezing, congestion, runny nose, wheezing, or other symptoms that seem related to exposure to dust mites. Results may also help guide allergen avoidance or allergy treatment.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and analyzed for antibodies directed against the house dust mite allergen. The laboratory reports whether allergen-specific IgE is detected.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required. Tell your clinician if you are taking allergy medicines or recently received biologic treatments, because these may affect test results.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive result means your immune system has developed IgE antibodies to this dust mite allergen. This supports sensitization but does not by itself prove that mites are causing your symptoms, so the result should be interpreted alongside your exposure history and symptoms.

Short name

House Dust Mite-Specific IgE

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I am allergic to dust mites?
It indicates sensitization to the house dust mite allergen. Your clinician will consider whether this finding matches your symptoms and other exposures.
Is this the same as a skin-prick test?
No. This test uses blood to detect allergen-specific IgE, whereas a skin-prick test measures a skin reaction after a small amount of allergen is placed on the skin.
Can this test show how severe my allergy is?
A qualitative result generally reports whether specific IgE was detected rather than establishing symptom severity. Your clinician can assess the clinical importance of the result.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy