Tryptase Testing: Clinical Utility and Application During COVID-19 Vaccination Reactions

What is the risk of anaphylaxis following vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19)? Are you familiar with the role of serum tryptase testing in patients with a suspected anaphylactic reaction? Expert faculty, Dr. Cem Akin, discusses serum tryptase testing and its importance in assessing anaphylaxis in response to COVID-19 vaccination. This moderated discussion is enhanced with animation, key takeaways, and support slides to provide an engaging learning experience.

Serum tryptase plays an important diagnostic role in the setting of mast cell activation resulting from a variety of causes, including mastocytosis and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Emergency medicine specialists, allergists, and primary care providers serve as the first-line responders to patients experiencing the effects of mast cell activation. The measurement of tryptase levels helps confirm diagnoses and inform management decisions for these life-threatening disorders. To help physicians provide optimal evaluation and management, it is essential that they be knowledgeable regarding the appropriate use of tryptase testing in these clinical settings. This education enables multidisciplinary clinicians to identify patients at risk of mast cell activation due to a variety of causes and employ appropriate use of tryptase testing across acute and follow-up care settings.