UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Labs in Anaphylaxis

Keywords: anaphylaxis, tryptase, diagnosis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/6/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Serum total tryptase measurements may be useful for confirmation of venom or drug induced anaphylaxis (not as useful for food induced)
Can send serial tryptase levels at the time of presentation, 1-2 hours later, and at resolution
This is NOT helpful for confirmation at the time of the episode, as it takes several hours to perform

Simons EF, Ardusso LE, Bilo MB, et al. 2012 Update: World Allergy Organization Guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis.