Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA), Urine

Diagnostic Use

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the major metabolite of serotonin and is excreted in the urine. Intestinal carcinoid tumours, along with neuroendocrine tumours, can produce excess amounts of 5-HIAA and serotonin, especially in individuals with carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by carcinoid tumours, flushing, heart disease, and hepatomegaly.

Measurement of 5-HIAA can be used for both diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal carcinoid syndrome.

Department

Specialist Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

HIAA

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Enter volume and duration of urine collected.

Test Adds

Refrigerated (preferred) 56 days, frozen 365 days

Synonyms

5-HIAA
5HIAA
HIAA (Urine)

Turnaround Time

14 days

Test Code

3477

Specimen Type

• 24hr Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• 24hr Urine Container

Acceptable

• Pottle
• BD Urine Tube (no additive)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2

Pre-testing Requirements

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) 24 hour urine collection
Patient Preparation

Some medications and foods (see below) could interfere with test results.
For 48 hours before patients start their urine collection and during the 24 hours they collect urine limit the following to one serving per day:
Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts (other than the list below)
During the same period, avoid completely: avocados, dates, eggplant, bananas, rock melon, grapefruit, kiwifruit, melons, pineapple, plantains, plums, hickory nuts, butternuts, pecans, walnuts, tomatoes and tomato products.
Caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee or caffeinated foods should also be avoided for 48 hours before and during specimen collection.

If clinically feasible and after consultation with your doctor, discontinue the following medications at least 48 hours before specimen collection:
Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
Aspirin
Antihistamines
Cough syrups
Cold and flu medications
Levodopa
Methyldopa
Phenothiazines

Additional Specimen Information

Timed 24 hour urine collection, either acidified or un-acidified.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

LC-MSMS

Non-Funded Test Cost

$102.46 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3479

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form