Tryptase Test
The tryptase test measures total tryptase, an enzyme released by mast cells, in a blood sample. Quest describes it as used as a marker of mast cell activity, including in evaluation related to anaphylaxis.
About this test
Tryptase is measured as a total value, combining both the form mast cells release on an ongoing basis (alpha-tryptase) and the form released during mast cell activation (beta-tryptase); Quest notes the test does not distinguish between the two. The result comes from a 1 mL serum sample analyzed by immunoassay.
Quest lists elevated basal tryptase as seen in hereditary alpha tryptasemia, mastocytosis, other myeloid disorders, allergic disorders, chronic renal failure, and some chronic infections, and notes that elevated basal tryptase is not uncommon and in most cases relates to hereditary alpha tryptasemia. The test is also used in evaluation related to anaphylaxis, where Quest notes that confirming a link to a suspected event may call for a sample drawn in the hours after the event, compared with a separate baseline sample drawn once symptoms have resolved.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
|---|
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: total tryptase in a serum sample, combining the mast cell enzyme's constitutively released and activation-released forms without distinguishing between them. Quest describes elevated basal levels as seen in hereditary alpha tryptasemia, mastocytosis, other myeloid disorders, allergic disorders, chronic renal failure, and some chronic infections.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Quest describes tryptase as also used in evaluation related to anaphylaxis, where timing relative to a suspected event matters: a sample drawn in the hours afterward can be compared with a separate baseline sample drawn once symptoms have resolved. A clinician reads a tryptase result together with that timing and with the rest of the clinical picture rather than as a stand-alone number.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the tryptase test measure?
It measures total tryptase, an enzyme mast cells release, in a serum sample using immunoassay methodology. The test does not distinguish between the enzyme's constitutively released and activation-released forms.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 1 mL serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Quest lists a timing note for when this sample is collected. You'll find it in Quest's words in the test details on this page.
What can cause an elevated tryptase result?
Quest lists hereditary alpha tryptasemia, mastocytosis, other myeloid disorders, allergic disorders, chronic renal failure, and some chronic infections as associated with elevated basal tryptase, and notes that an elevated basal level most often relates to hereditary alpha tryptasemia.
How is tryptase used in evaluating anaphylaxis?
Quest notes that confirming a link between tryptase and a suspected anaphylactic event may call for a sample drawn in the hours after the event, compared against a separate baseline sample taken once symptoms have resolved.