Histamine, Plasma

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231938, Beaker: Histamine, Quest: 365866

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube.
Also acceptable: One Pink-top EDTA tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge to separate plasma from cells. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) immediately.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Lipemic specimen
• Specimens that are not frozen.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Critical frozen. Centrifuge to separate plasma from cells within 20 minutes of collection. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) immediately.

Transport: 1.0 mL plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 24 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7days

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 2-5 days.

Reference Range

≤1.8 ng/mL.

Test Methodology

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Histamine, Plasma – 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
LOINC: 2416-6

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2025