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Test Code TRYPT Tryptase, Serum

Reporting Name

Tryptase, S

Useful For

Evaluation of individuals with suspected mast cell activation, which may occur as a result of anaphylaxis or allergen challenge

 

Evaluation of patients with suspected cutaneous or systemic mastocytosis

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial

Additional Information: Tryptase degenerates very quickly when left in the presence of red blood cells.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Frozen (preferred) 14 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Reference Values

<11.5 ng/mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

83520

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
TRYPT Tryptase, S 21582-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
TRYPT Tryptase, S 21582-2

Clinical Information

Tryptase, a neutral protease, is a dominant protein component of the secretory granules of human mast cells. There are 2 forms of tryptase, designated as alpha and beta, which are encoded by 2 separate genes.(1) Both are expressed as inactive proenzymes. Alpha-protryptase and beta-protryptase are spontaneously released from resting mast cells. The levels of the protrypases reflect the total number of mass cells within the body but are not an indication of mast cell activation. Beta-protryptase is processed to a mature form, which is stored in granules and released as an active tetramer that is bound to heparan or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. In contrast, an amino acid change in alpha-protryptase prevents processing to a mature form. Upon mast cell activation, degranulation releases mature tryptase, which is almost exclusively in the form of beta-tryptase.

 

During an anaphylactic episode, mast cell granules release tryptase; measurable amounts are found in blood, generally within 30 to 60 minutes.(2) The levels decline under first-order kinetics with half-life of approximately 2 hours. Measurement of tryptase 1 to 6 hours and at least 24 hours after the anaphylactic episode may be useful in demonstrating a return to baseline concentrations and evaluating the kinetics of the response. Tryptase concentrations may also be increased for a period of time following allergen challenge.

 

Mastocytosis occurs when there is clonal mast-cell proliferation, which leads to tissue accumulation.(3) Mastocytosis can be categorized as cutaneous and systemic. Cutaneous mastocytosis is generally associated with normal or slightly elevated (11.5-20.0 ng/mL) concentrations of tryptase. In systemic mastocytosis, high concentrations may be observed, with greater than 20 ng/mL being a minor criterion for the diagnosis of this condition.

Interpretation

Transient tryptase concentrations greater than or equal to 11.5 ng/mL may be consistent with mast cell activation in the context of anaphylaxis or allergen challenge; measurement of tryptase in specimens obtained 1 to 6 hours and at least 24 hours after the episode may be useful in demonstrating a return to baseline concentrations.

 

Basal tryptase concentrations greater than or equal to 11.5 mg/mL may be consistent with cutaneous mastocytosis.

 

Basal tryptase concentrations greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL may be consistent with systemic mastocytosis.

Report Available

2 to 5 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.

Testing Algorithm

For more information, see Mast Cell Disorder: Diagnostic Algorithm, Bone Marrow