Ulta Lab Tests

Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel includes Tryptase, immune antibodies, hormones, homocysteine, osmolality, and a CMP to help evaluate lab markers related to mast cell activity, histamine-type symptoms, immune balance, and overall wellness.

Serum, Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Blood
Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone

DHEA SULFATE

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Immunoglobulin A

Also known as: Immunoglobulin E

Immunoglobulin E

Also known as: Immunoglobulin IgG Subclasses

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin G, Serum

Immunoglobulin M

Also known as: Osmolality Serum

Osmolality (Serum)

Also known as: Progesterone Immunoassay

Progesterone

Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal function except to help produce other steroid hormones.

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Also known as: "Biointact" PTH, Intact PTH, Parathyroid Hormone , Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), PTH, PTH Intact without Calcium

PARATHYROID HORMONE,

PTH stands for parathyroid hormone. It is a protein hormone released by the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. Release of PTH is controlled by the level of calcium in the blood. Low blood calcium levels cause increased PTH to be released, while high blood calcium levels block PTH release.

Also known as: Testosterone Free Dialysis and Total LCMSMS

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

Tryptase

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel panel contains 13 tests with 38 biomarkers .

Check Key Markers Related to Mast Cell Activity, Histamine Response, Immune Balance, Hormones, and Metabolic Health

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel is a comprehensive blood testing panel designed to help individuals and healthcare providers evaluate key markers that may be relevant when investigating allergy-like reactions, histamine-related symptoms, immune system activity, inflammation, hormone balance, hydration status, and overall metabolic function.

Mast cells are immune cells that help the body respond to allergens, infections, injuries, and other stressors. When mast cells become overactive, they can release chemical messengers such as histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory compounds. These chemicals may contribute to symptoms involving the skin, digestion, breathing, circulation, nervous system, and overall wellness. The AAAAI notes that MCAS diagnosis generally requires recurring symptoms in multiple body systems, laboratory evidence of mast cell activation, and improvement with treatments that target mast cell mediators. 

This panel includes Tryptase, a key blood marker commonly used in the evaluation of mast cell activation. It also includes immune markers, metabolic markers, hormone markers, osmolality, and homocysteine to provide a broader picture of factors that may influence or accompany histamine-related and immune-related symptoms.

What Is the Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel?

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel is a blood test panel that combines immune, metabolic, endocrine, and mast cell-related markers into one convenient lab order. It may be helpful for people who experience recurring symptoms that seem allergy-like but are not always explained by standard allergy testing.

This panel does not diagnose MCAS, histamine intolerance, mastocytosis, allergies, autoimmune disease, or hormone disorders by itself. Instead, it provides objective lab data that may help patients and healthcare providers better understand possible contributing factors and decide whether further evaluation is needed.

This Panel Includes

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, often called a CMP, measures important markers related to liver function, kidney function, blood sugar, electrolytes, calcium, protein levels, and overall metabolic health. These results can help identify imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, weakness, dehydration, inflammation, or general wellness concerns.

DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay

DHEA Sulfate, also called DHEA-S, is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. It helps evaluate adrenal hormone activity and may provide insight into stress response, hormone balance, fatigue, and endocrine health.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Elevated levels may be associated with reduced methylation support, vitamin B status concerns, cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, or metabolic imbalance.

IgA

Immunoglobulin A, or IgA, is an antibody found in blood and mucous membranes, including the digestive and respiratory tracts. It helps support immune defense at body surfaces that are exposed to the outside environment.

IgE

Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is an antibody often associated with allergic response. Elevated IgE may be seen in people with allergies, asthma, eczema, parasitic infections, or other immune system activity.

IgG Subclasses Panel

The IgG Subclasses Panel measures different types of IgG antibodies. IgG is the most abundant antibody in the blood and plays an important role in immune protection. Subclass testing may help evaluate immune function in people with recurrent infections or immune concerns.

IgM

Immunoglobulin M, or IgM, is often one of the first antibodies the body produces when responding to infection or immune activation. It may help provide information about immune system activity.

Osmolality, Serum

Serum osmolality measures the concentration of dissolved particles in the blood. It can help evaluate hydration status, fluid balance, sodium balance, and certain metabolic concerns.

Progesterone, Immunoassay

Progesterone is a hormone involved in menstrual cycle regulation, pregnancy support, and hormone balance. Hormone changes may influence inflammatory symptoms, immune response, and overall wellness in some individuals.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is best known for its role in breast milk production, but abnormal levels may also be associated with menstrual changes, fertility concerns, low libido, headaches, or pituitary-related concerns.

PTH, Intact Without Calcium

Parathyroid Hormone, or PTH, helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. PTH results may provide information related to bone health, mineral balance, kidney function, and endocrine regulation.

Testosterone, Free Dialysis and Total MS

This test measures both total testosterone and free testosterone using advanced testing methods. Testosterone is important for energy, mood, muscle health, libido, body composition, and hormone balance in both men and women.

Tryptase

Tryptase is an enzyme released primarily by mast cells. It is one of the most important blood markers used when evaluating possible mast cell activation. According to AAAAI, tryptase is often most useful when measured during or shortly after an episode and compared with a baseline level taken later. A commonly referenced pattern for mast cell activation is a rise in tryptase of 20% above baseline plus 2 ng/mL. 

Who May Benefit From This Panel?

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel may be helpful for individuals who want to explore lab markers related to recurring allergy-like or histamine-type symptoms, especially when symptoms involve more than one body system.

This panel may be considered for people experiencing:

  • Flushing or sudden warmth
  • Hives, itching, or unexplained skin reactions
  • Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
  • Recurrent nasal congestion or allergy-like symptoms
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Digestive upset, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or nausea
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid heartbeat
  • Fatigue or brain fog
  • Symptoms that appear after certain foods, alcohol, heat, stress, fragrances, exercise, or medications
  • Recurrent symptoms that seem inflammatory, allergic, hormonal, or immune-related

Seek emergency care right away for trouble breathing, throat swelling, fainting, severe dizziness, chest pain, or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Why Test Mast Cell, Immune, Hormone, and Metabolic Markers Together?

Histamine-related symptoms can be complex. While tryptase is a key mast cell marker, many patients benefit from looking at the bigger picture. Immune function, hormone balance, hydration status, metabolic health, inflammation, adrenal hormone activity, and nutrient-related pathways may all influence how a person feels.

This panel brings together several categories of information:

Mast cell activity: Tryptase
Immune response: IgA, IgE, IgG subclasses, IgM
Metabolic health: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, osmolality
Inflammation and methylation support: Homocysteine
Hormone balance: DHEA-S, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone
Mineral and endocrine regulation: PTH

Together, these markers may help identify patterns that deserve further review with a qualified healthcare provider.

Important Note About MCAS and Tryptase Timing

Tryptase testing can be time-sensitive. For suspected mast cell activation episodes, AAAAI states that total serum tryptase is ideally drawn between 30 minutes and 2 hours after the start of an episode, with a baseline level collected later for comparison.

Because timing matters, a normal tryptase result does not always rule out mast cell-related symptoms. Patients with severe or recurring symptoms should discuss proper testing strategy with a healthcare provider, especially an allergist or immunologist.

Conditions and Concerns This Panel May Help Explore

This panel may provide useful information for people and clinicians evaluating concerns such as:

  • Mast cell activation patterns
  • Histamine-related symptoms
  • Allergy-like reactions
  • Immune system imbalance
  • Recurrent inflammatory symptoms
  • Unexplained flushing, hives, itching, or swelling
  • Digestive symptoms that may overlap with immune or inflammatory triggers
  • Hormone-related symptom patterns
  • Fatigue, brain fog, or stress-related hormone concerns
  • Metabolic, hydration, kidney, liver, or electrolyte status

This panel is designed to support health evaluation and discussion. It is not a stand-alone diagnostic test.

Benefits of Ordering the Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel

With this panel, you can:

  • Check Tryptase, a key marker related to mast cell activation
  • Review major immune antibodies, including IgA, IgE, IgG subclasses, and IgM
  • Evaluate metabolic health with a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • Assess hormone markers that may influence energy, stress response, and symptom patterns
  • Review homocysteine, a marker related to methylation and cardiovascular/metabolic health
  • Check serum osmolality, which may help assess hydration and fluid balance
  • Gain useful lab data to review with your healthcare provider
  • Take a proactive step toward understanding recurring allergy-like, inflammatory, or histamine-type symptoms

How to Prepare for This Test

Preparation may vary depending on the lab and the healthcare provider’s recommendations. In general:

  • Follow any fasting instructions provided with your order.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about medications, supplements, or antihistamines you are taking.
  • If testing tryptase for a recent reaction, timing may be important.
  • Stay hydrated unless instructed otherwise.
  • Bring your lab order and valid photo ID to the specimen collection site.

Do not stop prescription medications unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this panel diagnose MCAS?

No. This panel does not diagnose MCAS by itself. MCAS diagnosis typically requires symptoms involving multiple body systems, lab evidence of mast cell activation during an episode, and improvement with therapies that target mast cell mediators. This panel provides lab data that may help guide further evaluation.

Why is Tryptase included?

Tryptase is one of the most important blood markers used in mast cell evaluation. A rise in tryptase during a reaction, compared with a baseline level, can support evidence of mast cell activation. 

Can my Tryptase be normal even if I have symptoms?

Yes. Tryptase may be normal outside of a reaction, and some people with symptoms may not show a clear tryptase elevation. Timing, baseline comparison, and clinical context are important.

Is this the same as a histamine blood test?

No. This panel is focused on mast cell response, immune markers, hormones, metabolic health, and tryptase. It does not directly measure blood histamine. Histamine can be difficult to interpret because levels may change quickly and can be affected by collection and handling.

Should I review these results with a doctor?

Yes. Because mast cell, immune, and hormone-related symptoms can be complex, results should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider. An allergist, immunologist, endocrinologist, or primary care provider may help interpret the findings in context.

Why Choose Ulta Lab Tests?

Ulta Lab Tests makes it easier to take a proactive role in your health by offering convenient, affordable access to lab testing. With transparent pricing, secure online ordering, and access to thousands of lab tests and health panels, you can get the information you need without unnecessary delays.

The Mast Cell & Histamine Response Panel helps you explore important markers related to immune response, mast cell activity, hormone balance, and metabolic health so you can have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

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