Specimen: Blood
Results: 7-10 Business Days
Patient Instructions: Avoid taking allergy causing drugs, antihistamines, oral corticosteroids and substances which block H2 receptors 24 hours prior to collection.
Description: The test may be used to help confirm that a person has had an anaphylactic (extreme allergic) reaction, or it may be used to help diagnose mastocytosis, a rare group of disorders characterized by abnormal proliferation of mast cells (cells that produce histamine).
Methodology
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Reference Range(s)
0.1-1.8 ng/mL
Clinical Significance
Histamine is a mediator of the allergic response. Histamine release causes itching, flushing, hives, vomiting, syncope, and even shock. In addition, some patients with gastric carcinoids may exhibit high concentrations of histamine.
This test was performed using a kit that has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The analytical performance characteristics of this test have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. This test should not be used for diagnosis without confirmation by other medically established means.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.