Eurofins Biomnis code

HISTP

Specialty

Allergy

Clinical significance

Histamine is a natural amine effector formed by decarboxylation of histidine. Its physiological functions include dilating blood capillaries, inducing smooth muscle fiber contraction and stimulating gastric secretion. It is also an important CNS neurotransmitter and is the main mediator of the early phase of immediate hypersensitivity responses. Recently, it has been suggested that histamine may be a key regulator of the immune response and inflammation. Active histamine is stored in metachromatic granules in mast cells and basophils, and is released when these cells are activated by any of a range of immunological (e.g. exposure to allergens and complement activation) or pharmacological stimuli. This assay is useful in anesthesia-induced anaphylaxis and for monitoring responses to challenge tests (e.g. with drugs or candidate food allergens).

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• Non hemolyzed EDTA plasma
•   FROZEN
• Freezing within 4 hours

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

No sampling on glass tubes
Shake the tube gently by turning over. Whole blood can be stored for 2 hrs at ambient temperature or 12 hrs at +4°C. During this time, centrifuge for 10 minutes at 900g. Aspirate the plasma slowly, to at least 1 cm from the sediment. After an anaphylactic shock, sample 30 to 60 min after the onset of clinical signs (SFAR recommendations)

Specific equipment available

• K2: Sampling kit - use only in case of anaphylactic shock

Methodology

Enzyme-immunoassay

Turnaround time

8 days