Histamine
A central mediator of allergic and mast cell reactions, behind flushing, hives, and food intolerance symptoms.
Consider this test if:
- Recurrent flushing, hives, itching, or unexplained low blood pressure that points toward mast cell activation
- Investigating an anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction alongside tryptase
- Symptoms like headache, diarrhea, flushing, or congestion after histamine-rich foods or alcohol
- Working up suspected histamine intolerance or a mast cell activation disorder
- Reactions after eating fish that may not have been stored properly
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Typical results in 3-5 days · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
Timing is the most important factor: plasma histamine rises and falls quickly, so a sample drawn during or within an hour or two of symptoms is far more informative than one collected after they pass. Antihistamines and other medications can influence symptoms and results, so note what you take and when. The specimen must be handled carefully (plasma separated and frozen promptly), and grossly hemolyzed or lipemic samples are rejected. Fasting is generally not required, but recent intake of histamine-rich foods or alcohol is worth noting.
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What this test is for
Histamine is a small molecule released mainly by mast cells and basophils during allergic and inflammatory reactions, and it drives the familiar effects of an allergic response: blood vessel dilation, smooth muscle contraction, increased gastric acid, and a faster heart rate. This test measures histamine in plasma, where levels rise during and shortly after mast cell activation, including anaphylaxis. Elevated histamine helps confirm that symptoms such as flushing, hives, itching, headache, diarrhea, low blood pressure, or wheezing are driven by mast cell or basophil degranulation rather than another cause. It is also relevant to histamine intolerance, where low activity of histamine-degrading enzymes lets dietary histamine from aged cheese, alcohol, and poorly stored fish accumulate and provoke symptoms. Plasma histamine is sensitive but rises and falls quickly and is less specific to mast cells than tryptase, so timing of the draw relative to symptoms matters a great deal.
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Typical results in 3-5 days
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
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