UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Critical Care

Title: Labs in Anaphylaxis

Keywords: anaphylaxis, tryptase, diagnosis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/6/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD (Updated: 3/29/2024)
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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

References

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