Tryptase, Total
Label Mnemonic: TRYP
Epic code: LAB4211
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593
Specimen(s):
Serum
Collection Medium:
Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)
Minimum:
Preferred Minimum: 1 mL serum
Absolute Minimum: 0.5 mL serum
Testing Schedule:
Test performed at reference laboratory on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
Turn Around Time:
1-4 days upon receipt at reference laboratory.
Reference Range:
Less than 11.0 μg/L
Comments:
This assay measures total tryptase and does not distinguish between the alpha and beta protein types. Samples should preferably be collected between 15 minutes and three hours after the suspected event causing mast cell activation.

Serum tryptase is useful for assessing mast cell activation, which may occur as a result of anaphylaxis or allergen challenge, as well as for assessing patients with systemic mastocytosis or mast cell activation syndrome. Levels of total tryptase in serum > or =11.5 ng/mL may indicate mast cell activation occurring as a result of anaphylaxis or allergen challenge, or it may indicate increased number of mast cells as seen in patients with mastocytosis. Tryptase may be undetectable or not elevated in some patients with acute mast cell activation if specimens are obtained >12 hours after an anaphylactic episode.
Methodology:
Quantitative Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay
CPT Code:
83520