Test Directory

Tryptase

Containers - Adult

Sarstedt Monovette Serum Gel Tube (Brown Cap)	Volume Range 4.9mls Additive per Container Clotting activator/gel

Containers - Child

Sarstedt Monovette Serum Gel Tube (Brown Cap)	Volume Range 4.9ml Additive per Container Clotting activator/gel

Reference ranges

Normal Range

0 - 13.5 ug/ml

An anaphylaxis profile would expect a rise at the 1 hour sample with a fall back to baseline by 24 hours. There is inter-individual variation in baseline tryptase level. Note that a 4 fold or more rise in tryptase from baseline, but for this to still lie within 'normal' reference range may still be indicative of anaphylaxis.

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone: 0131 536 1000

Special instructions for collection

Investigation of anaphylactic reactions would be better conducted with serial samples (minimum of three):

Sample 1 (to detect early peak levels with severe reactions) - as soon as possible, but do not delay management.

Sample 2 (detects peak level with typical reactions) - 1-2 hours after reaction.

Sample 3 (to measure baseline level) - 24 hours after reaction.

Note that it is essential that all samples and accompanying request forms state the time of the adverse reaction and also have the precise time and date of the sample so that the results can be interpreted in relation to the event.

How to request

Trak, ICE, Clinical Immunology request form.

Availability

Normal working hours 9am-5pm Mon to Fri

Anticipated turnaround

21 Days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

General additional information

Tryptase levels are used as an aid in the clinical diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis and mast cell activation events such as anaphylaxis.