How many tests are performed after a mite bite? - briefly
Typically, clinicians order one to three diagnostic investigations after a mite bite, such as a skin examination, a biopsy, and serologic testing. The exact number depends on the patient’s symptoms and the suspected complications.
How many tests are performed after a mite bite? - in detail
A mite bite prompts a series of diagnostic actions aimed at confirming infestation, assessing secondary infection and evaluating allergic response. The typical sequence includes:
- Clinical inspection of the bite site and surrounding skin for characteristic lesions, erythema or burrows.
- Dermoscopic examination, which highlights the “delta‑wing” sign associated with certain mite species.
- Skin‑scraping or adhesive tape test, collected from the periphery of the lesion and examined under light microscopy to detect mites, eggs or fecal pellets.
- If microscopy is inconclusive, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be employed to amplify mite DNA from the sample.
- Complete blood count with differential, focusing on eosinophil count as an indicator of hypersensitivity.
- Serum specific IgE testing for mite allergens when allergic dermatitis is suspected.
- In cases of extensive inflammation or atypical presentation, a punch biopsy provides histopathological confirmation and rules out alternative dermatoses.
The number of procedures ranges from a single clinical assessment to a combination of three to five tests, depending on symptom severity, patient history and the need to differentiate between primary infestation and secondary complications.