Tryptase Allergic Reaction Test

This test evaluates tryptase levels within the blood, which can determine if an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis is occurring, and it can help diagnose mastocytosis.

Tryptase, also known as Mast Cell Tryptase, Alpha Tryptase, Beta Tryptase, and Mature Tryptase, is an enzyme that is released along with other chemicals from mast cells when they are activated during normal immune responses and during allergic (hypersensitivity) responses. Mast cells are large tissue cells found most commonly in the skin, some internal organ lining, and bone marrow.

Tryptase is one of the many chemicals that are released by mast cells when activated, which are collectively known as mast cell mediators. The mast cell mediators (particularly histamine) are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. If too many cells are activated at once, people with severe allergies can experience an extreme type of allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening.

Tryptase levels are normally very low, so elevated levels are usually indicative of some sort of reaction, like anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Skin reactions, such as hives or flushed skin
• Low blood sugar (hypotension)
• Constriction of airways and swollen tongue or throat. This can cause trouble breathing
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Mental distress / “feeling of doom”

Tryptase levels are also typically higher if you have mastocytosis, which is a condition where one has an abnormally high amount of mast cells.