Tryptase

Synonyms

Mast cell tryptase

  • Tech Only CPT
  • Tech Pro CPT
  • PowerPath Code tryptase
  • Schedule Monday - Friday
  • Turn Around Time Within 1-2 business days of receipt
  • Disease State Mastocytosis
  • Methodology IHC

Specimen Requirements

Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue block or cell block, or 1 unstained charged slide for each test requested plus 3-4 additional unstained slides cut at 4 microns. Adequate space on each slide for control tissue is required.

Diagnostic Utility

Tryptase, a serine protease, is rich in the secretory granules of mast cells and basophils. It is a sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for mast cells (though it will also react with basophils but to a lesser degree). Tryptase is useful, along with CD117, in the diagnosis of mast cell disease (e.g. mastocytosis) among others.

Vendor

Chemicon (Millipore)