Histamine, 24-Hour Urine

Urine Histamine, Mast Cell Disease

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232168, Beaker: Histamine24U, Quest: 4946

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• Please refer to the Specimen Collection Manual for instructions on 24-Hour Urine Collection:
• 24-Hour Urine Collection - Inpatient.
• 24-Hour Urine Collection - Outpatient.
• 24-Hour Urine Collection - Outreach.
• Avoid taking allergy causing drugs, antihistamines, oral corticosteroids, and substances which block H2 receptors for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
  
• Avoid direct sunlight during collection.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 24-hour urine sample with no preservative.

• Keep 24-hour urine specimen iced or refrigerated during collection.
• Include start and end dates and times for the collection period on the specimen container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Entire 24-hour urine collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Random urine specimens.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Measure total volume of 24-hour urine specimen. Record total volume and collection start and end dates and times in the LIS system. Aliquot 4.0 mL from the well-mixed 24-hour urine collection and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 4.0 mL urine aliquot, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL) 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Tuesday, Friday.
Results available in 3-5 days.

Reference Range

0.006-0.131 mg/24 h

Test Methodology

Immunoassay (IA)

Clinical Utility

Histamine is a mediator of the allergic response. Histamine release causes itching, flushing, hives, vomiting, syncope, and even shock. In addition, some patients with gastric carcinoids may exhibit high concentrations of histamine.

CPT Codes

83088

Contacts

Last Updated

12/17/2025