Tryptase

Test Code

TRYPTASE

Quest Code

34484

Alias/See Also

QNI Test Code 34484

CPT Codes
83520

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in Red Top ONLY

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

No other acceptable specimens

Instructions

Samples should be obtained between 15 minutes and 3 hours after the event suspected of causing mast cell activation. When sample is drawn, separate serum from cells within 3 hours of collection.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 2 days a week.

Report Available

Maximum Laboratory Turn Around Time 7 days

Reference Range

<11.0 mcg/L

Clinical Significance

This test may be used as a marker of mast cell activity. Tryptase is a serine protease released by mast cells constitutively (alpha-tryptase) and during activation (beta-tryptase). Serum measurement detects both forms and does not differentiate them [1]. Elevated basal tryptase levels are not uncommon and in most cases are due to hereditary alpha tryptasemia [2]. They are also seen in mastocytosis, other myeloid disorders, allergic disorders, chronic renal failure and some chronic infections [3]. Using tryptase to confirm anaphylaxis may require drawing the sample within 30 minutes - 6 hours of the suspected event and comparison with baseline levels drawn at least 24 hours after all signs and symptoms have resolved [4].

References
1. Schwartz LB. Immunol Allergy Clin N Am 2006; 26:451-463
2. Bonadonna P et al. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:277-282
3. Vitte J. Mol Immunol 2015; 63:18-24
4. Weiler CR et al. J All Clin Immunol 2019; 144:883-896

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.