This private urine test measures urinary methylhistamine, the primary breakdown product of histamine released in the body. The catalogue price is £168.13 with no phlebotomy fee, and results are usually available in 2 weeks.
Measuring methylhistamine in urine provides a longer window of assessment than plasma histamine, which is cleared from the bloodstream within minutes of release.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Scott Pereira (GMC 1524080) on 18/10/2026.
Histamine in blood breaks down very rapidly, whereas urinary methylhistamine remains stable for longer after a flare or episode of mast cell degranulation.
No. Urinary methylhistamine is analysed on a urine specimen, so no venous blood draw or £50 phlebotomy fee is required.
When investigating episodic flushing or allergic-type symptoms, clinicians often ask for a sample collected within a few hours of a symptomatic episode as well as a baseline sample.
Histamine-rich foods and certain medicines can influence urinary histamine metabolites. Ask your referring specialist whether any dietary precautions are needed beforehand.