Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | House Dust Hollister-Stier IgE, House Dust (h2) IgE, Allergen-Specific IgE House Dust (Hollister-Stier) |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females experiencing allergy symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test?
The Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) test is a blood test that detects specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced in response to house dust allergens. Dust mites, tiny creatures found in household dust, are the main trigger behind this type of allergy. The test is also known as the House Dust Hollister-Stier IgE or House Dust (h2) IgE test. A small blood sample is collected and analysed in a laboratory to check for allergen-specific IgE antibodies.
What Does an Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test Measure?
This test measures one specific marker in your blood. The table below explains what it looks for and why it matters.
| Parameter | What it Measures |
|---|---|
| Allergen-Specific IgE to House Dust (Hollister-Stier) | Detects IgE antibodies that your immune system has produced in response to house dust allergens, particularly dust mites. A raised level indicates sensitisation to these allergens. |
The Allergy, House Dust test works by detecting a Type 1 hypersensitivity response, where the immune system produces IgE antibodies after exposure to house dust allergens. The higher the antibody level detected, the stronger the sensitisation.
Why is an Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test Done?
Doctors prescribe the Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) test when a patient shows signs of an allergic condition that may be linked to indoor allergens. Below are the main reasons this test is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Frequent sneezing, especially after waking up or dusting the home
- Runny or persistently blocked nose
- Watery, itchy, or red eyes
- A persistent cough or postnasal drip (mucus dripping from the back of the nose)
- Worsening asthma symptoms indoors
- Itchy or irritated throat or mouth
- Skin flare-ups, such as worsening eczema or hives
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- House dust mite allergy (an allergic response to proteins found in dust mite droppings)
- Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by allergens)
- Allergic asthma linked to house dust mite exposure
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis) or urticaria (hives) connected to dust mite sensitisation
Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with dust mite allergy, this test plays a useful role over time. It can confirm sensitisation before allergen-specific immunotherapy (a treatment that gradually desensitises the immune system) is started. During treatment, the test may be repeated at intervals to assess whether the therapy is working as expected.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Allergy, House Dust test procedure. The steps below cover what to do before and during your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. If your doctor has requested additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, particularly antihistamines, as these may affect results
- If skin prick allergy testing is also planned, your doctor may advise avoiding antihistamines for a few days beforehand
- Stay well hydrated before your blood draw
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. This takes less than a minute.
- The sample is collected in an SST gel tube and labelled for the laboratory.
- In the lab, the sample is centrifuged (spun at high speed) to separate the clear serum from the rest of the blood.
- The serum is tested using the FEIA (fluorescent enzyme immunoassay) method, a sensitive technique for detecting allergen-specific IgE antibodies.
- The sample is stored under refrigeration and processed, with results ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the accuracy of your results:
- Taking antihistamines before the test
- Recent heavy exposure to allergens
- Markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive readings
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample)
- Lipemic (fatty) samples due to a very recent high-fat meal
- Improper sample handling or storage
Understanding Your Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test Results
Your results will show a specific IgE level in kU/L, which is then assigned to a class from 0 to 6. The table below shows the standard reference ranges used to interpret results.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.10 | Undetectable |
| 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Very low level |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low level |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate level |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.4 | High level |
| 4 | 17.5 to 49.9 | Very high level |
| 5 | 50 to 100 | Very high level |
| 6 | Greater than 100 | Very high level |
A result of 0.70 kU/L or above (Class 2 and higher) is flagged as abnormally elevated. A result below 0.35 kU/L is generally considered negative. A positive result from Class 1 onwards suggests an increased likelihood of allergic sensitisation to house dust allergens.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some patients have naturally high total IgE levels that can make results harder to interpret. Patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often have very high total IgE levels (above 1,000 kU/L), which may produce false-positive specific IgE results that require careful clinical review. Similarly, patients with a total IgE above 2,500 kU/L may show false-positive results due to non-specific binding, and their results must be assessed in the context of their full clinical picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips can help reduce exposure to house dust mite allergens:
- Wipe surfaces weekly with a damp cloth and vacuum using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner. The person with the allergy should avoid being in the room during cleaning.
- Wash all bedding and pillowcases regularly at 60°C, as this temperature kills dust mites.
- Reduce indoor humidity by opening windows regularly and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, since dust mites thrive in damp conditions.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,300, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your Allergy, House Dust test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The Allergy, House Dust test home collection service is available across multiple cities, making it easy to have your sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks for specific IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate an allergic response to house dust allergens, mainly dust mites. Doctors use it to confirm whether dust mite sensitisation is behind symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked nose, or asthma. It also helps guide decisions about allergen immunotherapy.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, do inform your doctor about any antihistamines or other medications you are currently taking.
IgE results must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical background. A positive result does not automatically confirm a clinical allergy, and a negative result does not fully rule one out. Providing your clinical history helps the doctor interpret your results accurately.
Not necessarily. IgE levels below 0.10 kU/L do not completely exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction. In vitro (laboratory-based) tests indicate previous sensitisation but cannot predict how you will respond to future exposure. Your doctor will consider your results alongside your symptoms.
Reports are typically ready within 3 days of sample collection. At Lupin Diagnostics, your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp once it is available.
Yes. A certified phlebotomist can visit your home to collect the blood sample. The sample is then transported to a NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis. You do not need to visit a collection centre unless you prefer to.
Yes. The test can be used before immunotherapy begins to confirm sensitisation, and again during treatment to monitor how well the therapy is working. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate frequency of testing based on your treatment plan.
Allergy, House Dust (Hollister-Stier) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
