ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of semiquantitative tests targeting house dust mite (HDM) allergens. METHODS: Thirty-nine dust samples were collected from the homes of 14 patients. These samples were evaluated using the following semi-quantitative tests: Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R), Acarex(R), Mitey checker(R), and SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R). The samples were then assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Der p 1, Der f 1 and group 2 allergens. Finally, the results from the 4 kits were compared and the correlation with ELISA was determined. RESULTS: Concentrations of HDM allergens determined using Acarex(R) were associated with those of SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) and Mitey checker(R), (P=0.004 and 0.035, respectively; rho=0.454 and 0.339, respectively). The concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) were associated with those of Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.000 and 0.001, respectively; rho=0.664 and 0.518, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between the results obtained using Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.000, rho=0.602). The Der f 1 levels were associated with the concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R), Mitey checker(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.003, 0.000 and 0.005, respectively; rho=0.467, 0.544 and 0.438, respectively). Group 2 allergen levels were associated with the concentrations determined by SD CHECK Quick Mite Test(R) and Rapid test for Mite Allergen(R) (P=0.019 and 0.038, respectively; rho=0.374 and 0.334, respectively). CONCLUSION: Four popular semiquantitative test kits may be adequate for detecting HDM allergens at home. However, quality assurance is needed for clinical usage because they showed variable sensitivity and specificity.