Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific IgE (serum/plasma)
This test measures your immune system’s response to a common indoor allergen found in house dust mites, which can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, itching, or asthma.
["Assesses sensitivity to house dust mites, helping diagnose allergies linked to respiratory symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103055-0
- Short code
- D pteronyss (rDer p) 10 IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- D pteronyss (rDer p) 10 IgE RAST
- Category
- coagulation
- 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
- Method
- rast
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
Your body produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) when exposed to allergens like dust mites. This test detects elevated levels of IgE specific to *Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus*, a mite commonly found in household dust. High IgE levels suggest an allergic reaction may occur upon re-exposure.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may recommend this test if you experience symptoms like persistent sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, or skin rashes that worsen in indoor environments. It helps confirm whether dust mites are a trigger for your allergies or asthma.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (usually from your arm) in a lab. The test is quick and typically done during a regular doctor’s visit or lab visit. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know beforehand.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than numeric. A positive result indicates a likely allergic reaction to dust mites, but it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Your doctor will consider symptoms, medical history, and other test results to make a full assessment.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgE to Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
No, this test alone cannot diagnose asthma. It helps identify whether dust mites are a possible allergen contributing to your symptoms. Doctors may use it alongside other tests (like skin prick tests or spirometry) to assess allergy-related asthma triggers.
No, you cannot alter IgE levels before this test. It measures your current immune response. Avoiding known allergens beforehand won’t change the test results, but it may help manage symptoms if you’re allergic.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy