The laboratory evaluates this test approximately every 6 weeks. Please expect a slightly longer processing time.
Professionelle Probenentnahme vor Ort in der Apotheke
Einfache Kapillarblutentnahme innerhalb von 2 Minuten
Auswertung durch medizinisches Facharztlabor
Labor-Ergebnisse als PDF oder online
Diaminoxidase (DAO) is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of histamine. The laboratory value measures the DAO activity in the blood and is used to assess histamine intolerance.
A DAO test is recommended for: • Persons with suspected histamine intolerance (e.g. symptoms after consuming histamine-rich food) • People with unclear complaints such as skin redness, headaches or digestive problems • Patients with allergy-like symptoms where allergy tests are inconspicuous • Diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal diseases that could impair DAO production
The test serves the diagnosis of histamine intolerance, in which a reduced DAO activity leads to insufficient histamine processing.
A low DAO value indicates a reduced ability to break down histamine, which can cause symptoms such as: • Skin redness, hives • Headaches or migraines • Nausea, bloating or diarrhea. A normal or high DAO value does not completely rule out histamine intolerance, as other factors may also be involved.
The testing can be carried out at any time of the day, but should be performed if complaints arise after the consumption of histamine-rich foods. It is recommended to avoid foods rich in histamine (such as mature cheese, smoked fish, red wine, sauerkraut) 24 hours before the blood sample is taken.
• Histamine intolerance is often dose-dependent; therefore, the relationship between DAO value and symptoms can vary. • Chronic intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease can reduce DAO activity. • Dietary supplements with DAO can help alleviate symptoms in case of proven deficiency.