What does the Histamine test measure?

Why is Histamine measured?

Whole-blood histamine captures both intra- and extracellular pools and is used to assess mast-cell activation and degranulation. Markedly elevated concentrations suggest systemic mastocytosis or mast-cell activation syndrome when other causes of histamine release are excluded. Because of rapid metabolism and collection sensitivity, urinary metabolites (N-methylhistamine, histamine itself) are often preferred for diagnosing these disorders; plasma histamine is most useful when drawn during symptomatic episodes or in acute settings.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Laboratory-specific functional range; Sanesco reports normalised to creatinine and scored relative to proprietary reference population.

Functional medicine optimal

Concentrations under laboratory reference limits in the fasting, asymptomatic state; interpretation of elevations requires correlation with timing relative to symptoms and exclusion of pre-analytical release.

Units

nmol/L, ng/mL, µg/g creatinine

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.