Histamine Determination

This test measures histamine in your blood. Histamine is a chemical released by immune cells, including mast cells, that contributes to itching, flushing, hives, and other allergic symptoms. Testing may help investigate suspected histamine release during an allergic reaction or episodes of mast cell activation. Histamine breaks down quickly, so the timing of collection and special sample handling are important for accurate results. An elevated result does not identify the cause on its own, and a normal result does not rule out an allergic reaction or mast cell disorder. This test alone cannot diagnose systemic mastocytosis or histamine intolerance.