How to interpret mast cell tests.
Mast cell tryptase (tryptase) is an enzyme produced almost exclusively by mast cells that is easy to measure using a widely available test. In this article we discuss the physiology of the mast cell and how that relates to IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and mastocytosis. We also describe the technical aspects of testing tryptase and the reported normal ranges in health. Finally we explore the diagnostic performance of serum mast cell tryptase measurements, when used to confirm anaphylaxis, estimate future anaphylaxis risk and in diagnosing/monitoring leukaemia.
Paediatric Emergency Department, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK.
Thomas
T
Waterfield
Department Of Paediatrics, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
Emma
E
Dyer
Department of Paediatrics, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK.
Kathryn
K
Wilson
Department of Paediatric Allergy, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Robert J
RJ
Boyle
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D008415:Mastocytosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D053802:Tryptases / Q000378:metabolism
D053802:Tryptases
Allergy; General Paediatrics; anaphylaxis; mastocytosis; tryptase