Feather and Down Analysis: Allergen and Microbial Contamination Testing
Although allergy to feather itself is considered rare, allergic reactions can be triggered by contaminants present on feather and down — including house dust mites, feather mites, avian serum proteins, and mould in sensitised individuals. In addition, exposure to microbial contaminants such as mould and bacteria in feather and down could potentially cause illness in susceptible people.
Commercial processing of feather and down has progressed greatly to remove these contaminants. However, it is crucial to have accurate methodologies to determine the effectiveness of this processing — which is known to be highly variable across the globe. Where allergen accumulation is also a concern, the integrity of the barrier function of the ticking fabric is a key consideration.
Avian Allergen Contaminant Testing
Airmid Healthgroup designed and filed an International Patent (09-03-12) for a new method of assessing the effectiveness of a commercial treatment process on avian allergen removal from feather and down. The method measures avian allergen levels at various stages of the feather and down treatment process across a range of filling materials used in:
- Pillows
- Duvets
- Clothing
- Soft articles
The following feather-associated proteins are measured as part of the avian allergen assessment:
Avian IgG
Measured using a specific ELISA developed at Airmid Healthgroup — detecting avian immunoglobulin G as a marker of avian serum protein contamination in feather and down samples.
Mite Group 2
Measured using a specific ELISA manufactured by Indoor Biotechnologies — detecting house dust mite allergen (Group 2) associated with mite contamination of feather and down filling materials.
Total Soluble Protein
Measured using a Pierce™ Protein Assay — providing a broad indicator of overall protein contamination present in the feather and down sample.
Microbial Contamination Testing
The level of microbiological contamination in a feather or down sample is determined using the Total Viable Count (TVC) method. Sample dilutions are applied to agar plates and, following incubation, total viable counts are estimated.
TVC Bacteria
Estimates the total number of viable (living) bacteria in a sample. Total viable counts are reported in colony forming units per gram (cfu/g).
TVC Fungi
Estimates the total number of viable (living) fungi in a sample. Total viable counts are reported in colony forming units per gram (cfu/g).
Note: cfu/g = number of colony forming units per gram of sample.
Request Feather & Down Analysis
For more information on our method for assessing feather and down serum protein contamination, or to request a quote for microbial and allergen analysis, contact Airmid Healthgroup today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does feather and down need allergen and microbial testing?
Raw feather and down can carry a range of biological contaminants — including house dust mites, feather mites, avian proteins, bacteria, and moulds — that can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory illness in sensitive individuals. Commercial washing and processing is intended to remove these contaminants, but effectiveness varies considerably between suppliers and processing methods. Independent testing verifies that processing has been effective and that the finished product meets required safety standards.
What is avian IgG and why is it measured?
Avian IgG (immunoglobulin G) is a serum protein found in birds that can act as an allergen in sensitised individuals. Its presence in feather and down filling materials indicates incomplete removal of avian proteins during processing. Airmid uses a proprietary ELISA method developed in-house to detect and quantify avian IgG — providing a sensitive and specific measure of avian allergen contamination.
What products can be tested for feather and down contamination?
Airmid’s feather and down analysis can be applied to filling materials used in pillows, duvets, clothing, and soft articles — as well as the ticking fabrics used to contain them. Testing can be conducted at multiple stages of the treatment and processing workflow to identify where contamination reduction is occurring and where further processing may be needed.
What is the Total Viable Count method?
The Total Viable Count (TVC) method estimates the number of living microorganisms — bacteria or fungi — in a sample. Dilutions of the sample are spread onto agar plates and incubated, allowing colonies to grow. The number of colonies is then counted and expressed as colony forming units per gram (cfu/g) of sample — providing a quantified measure of microbial contamination.
Does Airmid hold a patent on its feather and down testing method?
Yes. Airmid Healthgroup designed and filed an International Patent (filed 09-03-12) for a novel method of assessing the effectiveness of commercial treatment processes on avian allergen removal from feather and down — making this a proprietary and uniquely validated testing approach.
Related Tests and Services
- Allergen Testing Laboratory
- Simulated Use Allergen Barrier Test (SP305)
- Allergen Barrier Test (SP304)
- AATCC 194-2013 — Anti-House Dust Mite Testing
- ISO 21326:2019 — House Dust Mite Efficacy in Textiles
- Mycology & Mould Testing Services
- Microbiology Laboratory Services
- BS EN ISO 20743:2021 — Antibacterial Activity of Textiles
- Textiles Testing Overview
