Serum tryptase is one of the main protein components secreted by mast cells when they are activated. Mast cell activation may be due to either allergy or anaphylaxis, or may be the result of mastocytosis (dermal or systemic) or haematological neoplasms.
Measuring serum tryptase helps to identify the cause of the allergic symptoms and whether it is a pure allergic reaction or mastocytosis. It is also a risk factor for patients who have severe anaphylactic reactions, especially after an insect bite, and determines whether immunotherapy will be effective. Finally, it is used as a clinical marker in severe reactions during surgery, due to possible sensitisation to an administered substance.
A simple blood draw is required to measure serum tryptase. In our laboratory, tryptase is determined in serum using Phadia’s ImmunoCAP method, which is the most reliable method.