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Histamine Release (Chronic Urticaria)
Test Code16838
CPT Codes
86343
Preferred Specimen
1.5 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)
Patient Preparation
Patients taking calcineurin inhibitors should stop their medication for 72 hours prior to draw
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimen • Specimen other than serum • Serum Separator Tube (SST®)
Methodology
Cell Culture (CC) • Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues, Thurs; Report available: 4-9 days
Clinical Significance
Chronic Urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder affecting 1 to 6% of the general population. It is characterized by repeated occurrence of short-lived cutaneous wheals accompanied by redness and itching. Autoimmune urticaria is defined by the presence of a functional IgG antibody to high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI alpha) or IgE. These antibodies trigger mast cell and basophil degranulation by the engagement of Fc epsilon receptor. Functional IgG antibody to the receptor has been identified in approximately 30-40% of patients with CU, and anti IgE antibody has been identified in another 5%-10%.