Tryptase, Autopsy, Serum
Use
This test is used for the evaluation of autopsy cases in which anaphylaxis in the context of allergen exposure or mast cell activation is a suspected cause of death. Tryptase is a protein component of human mast cells, and during an anaphylactic episode, mast cell granules release tryptase into the blood, which can be measured to investigate deaths suspected to be caused by anaphylaxis.
Special Instructions
Postmortem tryptase should be measured in serum obtained from peripheral blood sources, such as the femoral vessels. Tryptase degenerates quickly in the presence of red blood cells, so appropriate handling and processing are crucial.
Limitations
Tryptase levels may be low or undetectable if specimens are collected more than 12 hours after an anaphylactic event. Interpretation of postmortem tryptase levels is complex due to the lack of established reference values for postmortem specimens and may be influenced by collection technique and the postmortem interval.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21582-2
- 21582-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Preferred collection container is serum gel; red top is acceptable.
Storage Instructions
Frozen (preferred) for 14 days or Refrigerated for 7 days
Causes for Rejection
Not specified with exact details on rejection criteria, only 'OK' for gross hemolysis, lipemia, icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |