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Sampling Devices for Indoor Allergen Exposure: Pros and Cons

  • Allergens (R. K. Bush & S. Vieths, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review current indoor allergen sampling devices, including devices to measure allergen in reservoir and airborne dust, and personal sampling devices, with attention to sampling rationale and major indoor allergen size and characteristics.

Recent Findings

While reservoir dust vacuuming samples and airborne dust volumetric air sampling remain popular techniques, recent literature describes sampling using furnace filters and ion-charging devices, both which help to eliminate the need for trained staff; however, variable correlation with reservoir dust and volumetric air sampling has been described. Personal sampling devices include intra-nasal samples and personal volumetric air samples. While these devices may offer better estimates of breathable allergens, they are worn for short periods of time and can be cumbersome.

Summary

Reservoir dust sampling is inexpensive and is possible for families to perform. Airborne dust sampling can be more expensive and may better quantify cat, dog, and mouse allergen exposure. Personal sampling devices may offer a better representation of breathable air.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Torie Grant & Robert A. Wood

  2. Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Ana M. Rule & Kirsten Koehler

  3. Departments of Population Health and Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1701 Trinity St., Stop Z0500, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Elizabeth C. Matsui

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  1. Torie Grant
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Correspondence to Elizabeth C. Matsui.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Matsui reports grants from Inspirotec outside the submitted work. Dr. Wood reports grants from NIAID, DBV, Astellas, Aimmune, Sanofi, Regeneron, and personal fees from Up to Date and AAAAI, outside the submitted work. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this manuscript.

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Grant, T., Rule, A.M., Koehler, K. et al. Sampling Devices for Indoor Allergen Exposure: Pros and Cons. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 19, 9 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-019-0833-y

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