Histamine Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Histamine Test

Histamine intolerance is a rare condition; only about 1% of the population is intolerant to the chemical. However, the condition can lead to major health conditions.

If you are wondering what histamine is, you are not alone.

Histamine, a crucial immune system component, plays a significant role in various bodily functions, from immune responses to acting as a neurotransmitter. However, when histamine levels are out of balance, it can lead to multiple health issues. This is where histamine blood tests come into play. 

The histamine test is one of the most important tests, and if your body has symptoms when the histamine test is required, then you need to get yourself tested as soon as possible. You can book your test with Redcliffe Labs and have your blood sample collected from the comfort of your home. More than 50,000 doctors trust us to provide accurate test results in a stipulated time frame. You can book your test within a minute by downloading the app or even booking the test from our website.

Test Details:

Purpose of the Histamine Test:

The Histamine Test primarily evaluates patients with allergies and other conditions associated with histamine imbalances. These conditions include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), hives, and certain autoimmune disorders. 

• In allergic rhinitis, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen or dust. This overreaction releases histamine, which causes sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• In hives, histamine is released into the skin, leading to red, raised bumps often accompanied by itching. 
• Finally, in certain autoimmune disorders, such as systemic mastocytosis, mast cells are overproduced, releasing histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream.

Conditions Diagnosed By the Histamine Test:

Histamine blood tests help in diagnosing multiple conditions, which is why it is always recommended that you get tested as soon as you see symptoms or if your doctor is suspicious that you might be suffering from these conditions:

•  Allergic Reactions: Elevated histamine levels are a hallmark of allergic reactions. Testing can help identify the severity of an allergic response.
•  Mast Cell Disorders: Disorders such as mastocytosis, where mast cells release excessive amounts of histamine, can be diagnosed through histamine blood tests.
•  Histamine Intolerance: Some individuals are intolerant to histamine due to the body's inability to break it down efficiently. Testing can help diagnose this condition.
•  Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding can be associated with altered histamine levels.
•  Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, result in significant histamine release. Testing can help confirm an anaphylactic episode.

Suppose your test results show you have suffered from any of the conditions mentioned above. In that case, you must consult with your health provider as soon as possible so that they can provide you with the necessary treatment that will help you heal.

When Should You Get the Histamine Test Done?

A doctor may order the histamine test if a patient is experiencing symptoms of an allergic or autoimmune disorder associated with histamine imbalances. 

These symptoms may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose 
• Itchy eyes 
• Hives
• Headaches 
• Fatigue 
• Digestive problems

The test may also be ordered if a patient has a family history of allergies or autoimmune disorders, as histamine imbalances can be hereditary. Additionally, the Histamine Test may be ordered if a patient is undergoing treatment for an allergic or autoimmune disorder associated with histamine imbalances. The test can help doctors evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the dosage or medication if necessary.

Preparations Before the Histamine Serum Test:

No special set of rules must be followed before taking the Zinc blood test. However, these are some basic guidelines to be followed:

• You are not required to fast before taking the Zinc Serum test, but if your health requires it, talk to your physician about any special dietary requirements.
• If you are pregnant, you might be taking any medication or supplements. It is important to inform your doctor about that as well. You do not have to panic in such situations; they will also tell you the solution if they think there is an issue. 
• It is a blood test, so avoiding any workouts or yoga before taking the test is always recommended.
• It is always advised that you skip smoking or drinking alcohol before taking the test because there are high chances that it may alter your test results, and you will not be able to get accurate test results.

Following the above steps, you will be fine while getting tested, and no exceptional preparation will be required before the blood test.

The Procedure for the Histamine Blood Test:

This Zinc Test is like any other blood test; it does not take more than 5-10 minutes for the phlebotomist to take the blood sample. The procedure for getting the test is as follows:

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, tells you to make a fist and ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to be tested.

Keep in mind that this is not a painful process. It may sting when the syringe is injected, and blood is drawn from the body, but that is about it. This sensation goes away in a day or two, so if you are experiencing the pain or the sting for a longer period, you must consult your doctor to find out what is 

How to Interpret the Histamine Test?

Histamine blood test results are usually measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Normal histamine levels can vary, typically less than one ng/mL. Elevated levels may indicate:

1. Allergic Reaction: High histamine levels can confirm an allergic reaction.
2.  Mast Cell Activation: High histamine levels may suggest mast cell activation disorders.
3.  Histamine Intolerance: Elevated levels can help diagnose histamine intolerance.

Low histamine levels, while less common, suggest histamine production or degradation issues.

Who is At Risk?

Certain conditions make someone more vulnerable to histamine intolerance and allergies; here are a few things that increase your risk of getting allergies:

• Having a family history of hives, eczema, hay fever, etc. then, you are prone to suffer from allergic reactions and even asthma.
• If you have been diagnosed with asthma or any form of allergy before.
• Children are vulnerable to allergens and need to be more careful around them.

So, if there are any symptoms of an allergic reaction, one should get a Histamine Blood Test. The test helps confirm the diagnosis of allergies or rule out the possibility so that doctors can provide medication accordingly.

Risk Factors Associated With the Histamine Test:

Histamine Blood Test is like any other blood test; no such risk factors are associated with the test. The only risk that one should be looking out for is the factor that when the blood is drawn, it can sometimes cause conditions like:

• Blood Clots
• Purplish Bruises
• Internal Bleeding

So, keep an eye out for these occurrences; otherwise, you are good to go. It is always recommended that the person getting tested follow all the instructions provided by their doctor and even consult with one before getting tested to determine if there are any special measures they need to follow based on their medical history.

Managing the Histamine Levels in the Body

If your histamine blood test indicates an imbalance, there are several strategies and treatments your doctor might recommend:

1.  Dietary Changes: For histamine intolerance, a low-histamine diet can help manage symptoms. This involves avoiding foods high in histamine, such as aged cheeses, fermented products, and certain fish.
2.  Medications: Antihistamines block histamine receptors and can help manage allergic reactions. Additional medications might be necessary in cases of mast cell disorders.
3.  Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing stress, avoiding known allergens, and making other lifestyle changes can help manage histamine-related conditions.
4.  Enzyme Supplements: For those with histamine intolerance, enzyme supplements such as Diamine Oxidase (DAO) can help break down histamine and reduce symptoms.

Histamine Test Price at Redcliffe Labs:

The histamine Test is priced differently at different labs, but at Redcliffe Labs, it costs INR 6000. We try to keep our prices as minimal as possible so that we can make diagnostic services accessible to every individual.

If you have been recommended to get your histamine levels tested, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs. We provide doorstep sample collection services, so you can just book your test from your phone and have the phlebotomist collect the blood sample from the comfort of your home. You even receive your test reports online, so there is no hassle, and you can get your diagnosis without waiting in long queues. Our reports are accurate and are trusted by more than 50000 doctors; our labs are even NABL and ISO-compliant.

Histamine Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Histamine Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.