Mast cells play a key role in allergic reactions and increase in numbers under inflammatory conditions. When activated, they release a variety of mediators that lead to the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions. These mediators include tryptase and histamine.
Clinical studies have shown that a persistently elevated baseline level of tryptase may be an indication of possible mastocytosis.
Specimen collection and preparation
Blood collection
Blood should be collected by venopuncture, allowed to clot, and the serum separated by centrifugation.
Serum sample storage
Specimens may be kept at room temperature (RT) for shipping purposes for 2 days. Store at 2-8 °C if assayed within 5 days after collection. For longer periods, store samples at -20 °C or -70 °C.
Plasma samples
Plasma samples have been assayed and found to give comparable results to serum samples.