Laboratory Animal Allergens

Laboratory animal allergens (LAA) are recognised by HSE as a significant cause of occupational allergic disease in the UK. Consistently ranked amongst the top causes of occupational asthma, these allergens are susceptible to becoming airborne and contaminating surfaces or clothes leading to sensitisation of individuals and allergic symptoms.

• Rat
• Mouse
• Rabbit
• Guinea Pig
• Hamsters
• Ferrets

Our laboratory animal allergen service provides immunoassay methods for the analysis of rat and mouse urinary protein (Rat n1 and Mus m1), with internal quality controls and supporting data for all our recommended guidelines for transportation and storage. Currently, we can also provide guinea pig albumin upon request, with a major urinary guinea pig allergen assay currently under development. All of the above can be tested on a single filter or wipe sample allowing our clients to minimise the sampling workload.

Exposure monitoring can be performed as static air, personal air - providing information about specific task-related exposures - or surface wipe samples. Wipe kits are provided free of charge and can be ordered ahead of the sampling work. Contact us to place an order of for further information on wipe kits.

Limits of detection are appropriate for all sampling times even short term (10-15 minute sampling times) where the detection limit for MUP & RUP are approximately 1-2 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m³) when sampling at 2 litres per minute (2 L/min).

HSE also offer interpretation on LAA results to our clients, based on the distribution of the extensive cumulative, anonymised data for atmospheric and surface monitoring. These data have recently been published. Results are reported securely and confidentially solely to the customer within the agreed timeframe.