Tryptase levels: what's normal, high and low
An enzyme released by mast cells. Used to evaluate mast cell disorders and severe allergic reactions.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Tryptase is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 11.5 ng/mL. At TestWell it's $71.99 all-in as Tryptase, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- ng/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $71.99
- Labs
- Quest
Tryptase Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 11.5 ng/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Tryptase result may mean
Often reflects an active or recent allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), or mast cell disorders.
What a high Tryptase means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Tryptase mean?
Tryptase is released by mast cells. A level drawn within a few hours of a severe allergic reaction that is well above the person's baseline confirms anaphylaxis; a persistently high baseline (above ~11.5, and especially above 20 ng/mL) raises the question of systemic mastocytosis or hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, an inherited trait carried by roughly 5% of people. Kidney disease and some blood disorders raise it modestly.
Common causes of a high Tryptase
- Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction (transient, peaks 1–2 hours)
- Hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (inherited extra copies of the tryptase gene)
- Systemic mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease, myeloid blood disorders
- Some parasitic infections
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Flushing, hives, itching, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, lightheadedness with episodes
- Bone pain, unexplained anaphylaxis, or none
What clinicians usually check next
- Repeat at baseline (no symptoms for 24 hours) to distinguish an acute spike from a persistently high level
- Allergy/immunology referral if baseline is above ~11.5 ng/mL
- TPSAB1 gene copy testing for hereditary alpha-tryptasemia; bone-marrow evaluation only when mastocytosis is suspected
Seek care promptly if
- Any episode with throat tightness, breathing difficulty or fainting — emergency care; the tryptase can be drawn afterwards
My tryptase is 14 but I feel fine. What now?
A mildly high baseline is most often hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, which is common and usually benign. An allergist can confirm with a gene-copy test and explain what it means for anaphylaxis risk.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Tryptase test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Tryptase is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptase | This marker only | $71.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Tryptase: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $71.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Inflammation & Autoimmune biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Tryptase.
Frequently asked
What does a high Tryptase mean?
Tryptase is released by mast cells. A level drawn within a few hours of a severe allergic reaction that is well above the person's baseline confirms anaphylaxis; a persistently high baseline (above ~11.5, and especially above 20 ng/mL) raises the question of systemic mastocytosis or hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, an inherited trait carried by roughly 5% of people. Kidney disease and some blood disorders raise it modestly.
My tryptase is 14 but I feel fine. What now?
A mildly high baseline is most often hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, which is common and usually benign. An allergist can confirm with a gene-copy test and explain what it means for anaphylaxis risk.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my tryptase?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Tryptase results?
Most Tryptase results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Tryptase test cost?
Our Tryptase starts at $71.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Tryptase test?
Fasting is not required for the Tryptase test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Tryptase test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your tryptase?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $71.99.