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Wipe test for the detection of indoor allergens
Author(s) -
Polzius R.,
Wuske T.,
Mahn J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2002.1s3333.x
Subject(s) - allergen , house dust mite , mite , airborne allergen , vacuum cleaner , sampling (signal processing) , environmental science , dust mites , medicine , allergy , immunology , biology , geography , ecology , meteorology , engineering , suction , filter (signal processing) , electrical engineering
Background: The determination of house dust mite and cat allergens is a prerequisite for qualified assessment of exposure risk indoors. We describe the validation of integrated wipe tests comprising a porous sampling pin for the collection of settled house dust and an immunochemical test set‐up for specific analysis of dust associated allergens. Methods: Wipe tests comprised an immunochromatographic test system and a porous sampling pin for collecting dust by manually wiping a surface. Two different wipe tests were developed with specificity to cat allergen (Fel d 1) and to dust mite allergen (Der p 2/f 2). One‐hundred and fifty on‐site determinations for each of the allergens in 50 different households completed the field study to validate the analytical system. Reference analysis was based on collection of dust with a vacuum cleaner and analysis of dust associated allergens by ELISA. Results: The wipe tests were found to produce semiquantitative results (class 0–3) on‐site within 10 min of analysis time. For dust mite (cat) allergen the median of class 0–3 was 119 (263), 812 (844), 2708 (5670) and 8000 (56 800) ng/g dust, respectively. With respect to cut‐off levels for dust mite (cat) allergens the clinical sensitivity was 62% (79%) and the clinical specificity was 94% (92%). Conclusions: The wipe tests proved to be a reliable tool for indoor allergen exposure screening, suitable for use even by untrained persons. This may have an impact on compliance with allergen avoidance measures.