House Dust Allergen-Specific IgE, Qualitative (BenCard; Deprecated Test)
A qualitative blood test that checks for IgE antibodies against house-dust allergens to help assess allergic sensitization.
["A positive result indicates an immune reaction to house-dust allergens, but symptoms and other allergy tests are needed for diagnosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82006-8
- Short code
- Deprecated House Dust Bencard IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated House Dust Bencard IgE RAST Ql
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 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 in the blood. IgE is an immune-system protein that can form in response to common house-dust allergens, including dust mites.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered for people with sneezing, congestion, wheezing, or other symptoms that appear around dust or old carpets. Results can help identify whether house-dust allergens may be contributing to allergy symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed using an allergen-specific IgE assay. Because this is a qualitative test, the result is generally reported as positive or negative rather than as a numeric concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required. Tell the healthcare professional about your allergies and medications, and do not stop any prescribed medicine unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
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 that IgE antibodies to a house-dust allergen were detected, indicating allergic sensitization. This does not by itself confirm that the allergen is causing a person's symptoms. A negative result makes sensitization less likely, but repeat testing or other allergy evaluations may still be needed.
Short name
House Dust IgE Test
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am allergic to dust?
Is this the same as a total IgE blood test?
Why is the test name marked as deprecated?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy