Collect
Collect in a plain red top or SST tube.
Specimen Preparation
Allow sample to clot at room temperature for 20 to 60 minutes. Centrifuge ASAP to separate serum from cells and aliquot cell-free serum into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum.
Patient Prep
Samples should preferably be taken between 15 minutes and 3 hours after the suspected event causing mast cell activation.
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
Storage Transport Temp
Send serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container at ambient temperature, with an ice pack or frozen on dry ice.
Stability
2 days ambient (18-23°C), 1 week refrigerated (2-8°C), 1 month frozen (-20C).
One freeze-thaw cycle will not negatively affect testing.