5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) is a metabolite of serotonin. Measurement of 5HIAA in urine is used to exclude serotonin-secreting neuroendocrine carcinoid tumours as a cause of current symptoms. Features of carcinoid disease or the carcinoid syndrome include flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing and heart disease. Plasma 5HIAA and whole blood serotonin can also be measured and may offer better sensitivity and specificity for the investigation of possible carcinoid disease.
Tube
24h Acid Urine (Acetic Acid)
ID
29960
Availability
Weekdays
Additional Information
The following must be avoided for 12 hours before and during the collection period: Banana, tomato, pineapple, avocado, plum, walnuts, pecans, kiwi, chocolate. Any processed food that may contain the above ingredients. Any health food supplements containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan (extract of Griffonia Simplicifolia seed).
Turn around
10 days
Send to
First Class Post to: Specialist Laboratory Medicine
Block 46
St James
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Collection Con
Accurately timed 24 hour collection, dietary advice required before collection. Avoidance of serotonin containing foods necessary. Contact lab before starting urine collection to obtain correct container for this test.
Sample REQ
The urine must be collected into a bottle containing 25mL glacial acetic acid to preserve the 5HIAA. Minimum volume: 5mL aliquot of 24 hr collection.
Units
umol/24h