Tryptase

Overview:

Tryptase is stored in mast cells, the immune cells that release histamine during allergic reactions. It is used in two distinct ways. Measured within a few hours of a suspected anaphylactic episode, a rise above a person's own baseline supports mast cell activation as the cause, which is useful because anaphylaxis is otherwise diagnosed clinically. Measured at baseline, well away from any reaction, a persistently raised level can indicate a mast cell disorder such as systemic mastocytosis or hereditary alpha-tryptasemia. Timing therefore determines what the result means, and acute samples are usually paired with a later baseline.

Categories:

Allergies, Immune

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker