Test Catalog

Test Id : MCMRU

Mast Cell Mediators, Random, Urine

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Evaluating patients at risk for mast cell activation syndrome (eg, systemic mastocytosis) using random urine collections

Profile Information
A profile is a group of laboratory tests that are ordered and performed together under a single Mayo Test ID. Profile information lists the test performed, inclusive of the test fee, when a profile is ordered and includes reporting names and individual availability.

Test Id Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
CRTFR Creatinine, Random, U No Yes
RLTE1 Leukotriene E4, Random, U Yes Yes
R23B1 2,3-dinor 11B-Prostaglandin F2a Yes Yes
RNMH1 N-Methylhistamine, Random Yes Yes

Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test

CRT2F: Enzymatic Colorimetric Assay

RLTE1, R23B1, RNMH1: Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.

Yes

Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test

Mast Cell Mediators, Random, U

Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching

Mastocytosis

Anaphylaxis

Acute allergic reaction

11-beta prostaglandin F2 alpha

Tryptase

Histamine release

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Urine

Ordering Guidance

Patients with chronic mast cell activation often have chronically elevated N-methylhistamine (NMH) levels and will sometimes have intermittent NMH elevations. In these cases, a 24-hour urine collection is preferred. See MCM24 / Mast Cell Mediators, 24 Hour, Urine.

Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing

Patient Preparation:

1. Patient must not be taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or aminoguanidine, as these medications increase N-methylhistamine (NMH) levels.

2. Patients taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may have decreased concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (23BP). If possible, the patient should discontinue use for 2 weeks or 72 hours, respectively, before specimen collection.

Supplies: Urine Container, 60 mL (T313)

Collection Container/Tube: Plastic urine container

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 60-mL urine bottle

Specimen Volume: 20 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random urine specimen within a few hours of symptom onset.

2. No preservative.

Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.

10 mL

Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Urine Frozen 28 days

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Evaluating patients at risk for mast cell activation syndrome (eg, systemic mastocytosis) using random urine collections

Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Primary mast cell activation syndromes (MCAS) have clonal markers, such as the KIT Asp816Val variant or aberrant expression of CD25 or CD2 on MC. The 2 primary groups of MCAS are mastocytosis (cutaneous and systemic) and monoclonal MCAS. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a disease in which clonally derived mast cells accumulate in peripheral tissues. Degranulation of these mast cells releases large amounts of histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and tryptase.

 

Patients with SM should fulfill the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for this disorder. Diagnosis requires either the major plus one minor criterion or 3 minor criteria.(1-3)

The consensus diagnostic criteria for SM include:

Major criterion:

Imaging of the multifocal infiltrates

Minor criteria:

1. Identifying morphological features of above 25% of MC from bone marrow biopsy

2. Detection of the point alteration at codon 816 in the KIT gene

3. CD2, CD25, and/or CD30 expression in MC

4. Persistently elevated serum tryptase (>20 ng/mL)

 

The 2 main nonclonal MCAS categories include secondary MCAS, for which there is a known trigger for MC activation (IgE-dependent and independent allergic reactions, atopic disorders, autoimmune processes), and idiopathic, in which the etiology for MC activation is undefined.(1,3-7) Based on consensus criteria, the diagnosis of MCAS can be established when typical clinical symptoms arising from recurrent (episodic) acute systemic MC activation (typically in the form of recurrent anaphylaxis in at least 2 organ systems) have been documented; MC-derived mediators increase substantially in serum or urine over the individual's baseline; and the symptoms respond to drugs blocking MC activation, MC mediators, mediator production, or mediator effects.(6)

 

A recently proposed diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of patients with suspected MCAS considers 2 main diagnoses that may underlie severe forms of MC activation (anaphylaxis), namely, IgE-dependent allergies and clonal MC disorders.(1,3-7) A serum tryptase level, which has long been used in diagnosing these disorders, has several drawbacks, including the need to obtain acute and baseline specimens to fulfill diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, an increased baseline tryptase level has been reported in hereditary alpha tryptasemia, complicating the diagnostic possibilities.(1,5) In addition to the limitations of serum tryptase, there are reports of symptomatic patients with features of MC activation who do not meet all the criteria for MCAS but have elevated baseline mediator metabolites.(3,5,7) In these patients, there is evidence that their symptoms respond to drugs that target MC activation, the mediators released by MC, and/or the effects of these mediators. Based on these observations, validated biomarkers suggestive of MC activation, such as an increase in the histamine metabolite (N-methylhistamine) or the prostaglandin D2 metabolite (2,3-dinor 11 beta-prostaglandin F2 alpha), have been recommended for testing when tryptase is not available, or the result is inconclusive.(7) Elevated concentrations of leukotriene E4 are associated with both clonal (primary) and nonclonal (secondary and idiopathic) MCAS.(1,4,5)

Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

LEUKOTRIENE E4:

< or =104 pg/mg creatinine

 

2,3-DINOR 11B-PROSTAGLANDIN F2a:

<1802 pg/mg creatinine

 

N-METHYLHISTAMINE:

0-5 years: 120-510 mcg/g creatinine

6-16 years: 70-330 mcg/g creatinine

>16 years: 30-200 mcg/g creatinine

 

CREATININE:

> or =18 years old: 16-326 mg/dL

Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 18 years.

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Analytical reports within the scope of the individual assays will be provided when testing is complete.

Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

N-methylhistamine:

While an average North American diet has no effect on urinary N-methylhistamine (NMH) levels, mild elevations (around 30%) may be observed on very histamine-rich diets. This problem is more pronounced in random urine specimens, especially when collected following a histamine-rich meal.

 

NMH levels may be depressed in individuals who have an alteration in the histamine-N-methyltransferase gene (HNMT), which encodes the enzyme that catalyzes NMH formation. This alteration results in an amino acid change that decreases the rate of NMH synthesis.

 

When N-acetylcysteine is administered at levels sufficient to act as an antidote for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose, it may lead to falsely decreased creatinine results.

 

2,3-Dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2 alpha:

Elevated levels of 2,3-dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2 alpha (2,3 BPG) in urine are not specific for systemic mast cell disease and may be found in patients with angioedema, diffuse urticaria, or myeloproliferative diseases in the absence of diffuse mast cell proliferation. Systemic mast cell disease is a heterogeneous disease, and some patients may not have elevated 2,3 BPG in urine.

 

Leukotriene E4

Patients taking 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton (Zyflo) may have decreased concentrations of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) if dosage has not been discontinued for 48 hours. Systemic mastocytosis is a heterogenous disease, and lack of elevated LTE4 does not exclude the diagnosis of mast cell disease. Increased excretion of LTE4 has also been reported in the following conditions: asthma, eosinophilic pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus infection, atopic dermatitis, Crohn disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Weiler CR. Mast cell activation syndrome. Tools for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(2):498-506

2. Valent P, Akin C, Metcalfe DD. Mastocytosis: 2016 updated WHO classification and novel emerging treatment concepts. Blood. 2017;129(11):1420-1427

3. Valent, P, Akin, C, Hartmann, K., et.al. Updated diagnostic criteria and classification of mast cell disorders: A consensus proposal. Hemasphere. 2021;5(11): e646

4. Gulen T, Akin C, Bonadonna P, et al. Selecting the right criteria and proper classification to diagnose mast cell activation syndromes: A critical review. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(11):3918-3928

5. Butterfield JH. Nontryptase urinary and hematologic biomarkers of mast cell expansion and mast cell activation: Status 2022. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(8):1974-1984

6. Divekar R, Hagan J, Rank M, et al. Diagnostic utility of urinary LTE4 in asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016;4(4):665-670

7. Valent P, Hartmann K, Bonadonna P, et al. Global classification of mast cell activation disorders: An ICD-10-CM-adjusted proposal of the ECNM-AIM Consortium. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(8):1941-1950

Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

N-methylhistamine:

N-methylhistamine is extracted from urine using solid-phase extraction. The elute is analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and quantified using a stable isotope labeled internal standard.(Martens-Lobenhoffer J, Neumann HJ: Determination of 1-methylhistamine and 1-methylimidazole acetic acid in human urine as a tool for the diagnosis of mastocytosis. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1999;721[1]:135-140; Lueke AJ, Meeusen JW, Donato LJ, Gray AV, Butterfield JH, Saenger AK. Analytical and clinical validation of an LC–MS/MS method for urine leukotriene E4: A marker of systemic mastocytosis. Clin Biochem. 2016;49[13-14]:979-982. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2016.02.007)

 

2,3-Dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2alpha:

2,3-Dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2alpha (23BPG) is quantified in urine by LC-MS/MS. Deuterium-labeled 23BPG internal standard (d4-11BPGF2a) is added to all controls and specimens, which are then liquid/liquid extracted. The eluent is evaporated, and samples/QC are then reconstituted prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.(Unpublished Mayo method)

 

Leukotriene E4:

Leukotriene E4 (LTE4) is quantified in urine via multiplexed LC-MS/MS. Deuterium-labeled LTE4 internal standard is added to all standards/controls/samples, which are then filtered. After additional sample clean-up, this eluent is analyzed by LC-MS/MS.(Unpublished Mayo method)

 

Creatinine:

The enzymatic method is based on the determination of sarcosine from creatinine with the aid of creatininase, creatinase, and sarcosine oxidase. The liberated hydrogen peroxide is measured via a modified Trinder reaction using a colorimetric indicator. Optimization of the buffer system and the colorimetric indicator enables the creatinine concentration to be quantified both precisely and specifically.(Package insert: Creatinine plus Ver 2. Roche Diagnostics; V15.0, 03/2019)

PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information

No

Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.

2 to 9 days

Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester

Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.

  • Authorized users can sign in to Test Prices for detailed fee information.
  • Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Prospective clients should contact their account representative. For assistance, contact Customer Service.

Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.

CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.

82570

84150

82542

LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.

Test Id Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
MCMRU Mast Cell Mediators, Random, U In Process
Result Id Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
CRTFR Creatinine, Random, U 2161-8
620245 N-Methylhistamine, Random, U 13781-0
620241 Leukotriene E4, Random, U 33343-5
620243 2,3-dinor 11B-Prostaglandin F2a 97658-9

Test Setup Resources

Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.

Excel | Pdf

Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.

Normal Reports | Abnormal Reports

SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.

SI Normal Reports | SI Abnormal Reports

Test Update Resources

Change Type Effective Date
New Test 2024-03-12