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Published on: November 19, 2016
[Occurrence of allergens on hospital premises]
1Børneafdelingen, Viborg Sygehus. uma@dadlnet.dk
Abstract:
The occurrence of allergens from the house-dust mites Der p 1, Der f 1 and Der m, and from dogs (Can f 1) and cats (Fel d 1) was assessed in Viborg Hospital. Three hundred samples collected in a standardized manner were analysed for allergens by ELISA technique. In only one dust sample was the total occurrence of mite allergens marginally above the sensitization threshold level of 2,000 ng mite allergens/g dust. For Fel d 1 a threshold level for sensitization or symptoms of 8,000 ng Fel d 1/g dust has been proposed; none of the dust samples contained this concentration. A low occurrence of Can f 1 was found. One dust sample contained 8,902 ng Can f 1, while the remainder exhibited lower concentrations. Efficient cleaning and adequate ventilation can reduce allergens in public buildings, but it is impossible to remove all allergens from upholstered furniture. Avoidance of such furniture in wards and outpatient departments which receive allergic patients might be considered.
Insights
House dust mite and pet allergens were measured in a hospital setting. Allergen levels were generally low, suggesting good environmental control, but upholstered furniture may still pose a risk to allergic patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Allergens
- Clinical Immunology
Context:
- Assesses allergen levels in a healthcare environment (Viborg Hospital).
- Focuses on common indoor allergens: house dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m) and pets (dog Can f 1, cat Fel d 1).
Purpose:
- To quantify the occurrence of specific allergens in dust samples from a hospital.
- To compare allergen concentrations against established sensitization and symptom thresholds.
Summary:
- Analyzed 300 dust samples using ELISA for Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m, Can f 1, and Fel d 1.
- Most samples showed low allergen levels, with only one exceeding the mite allergen threshold (2,000 ng/g).
- No samples reached the proposed Fel d 1 threshold (8,000 ng/g); Can f 1 levels were generally low, with one sample slightly above 8,000 ng/g.
Impact:
- Highlights the effectiveness of cleaning and ventilation in reducing airborne allergens in public buildings.
- Suggests considering the removal of upholstered furniture from areas frequented by allergic patients to minimize exposure.
- Provides data on allergen prevalence in a clinical setting, informing environmental management strategies for allergy sufferers.
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