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Test Directory -  5-H.I.A.A

Synonyms

Urinary 5HIAA, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid

Clinical Indications

 Investigation of suspected carcinoid syndrome

Request Form

Combined Pathology blood form (yellow/black)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

Turnaround Time

3 Weeks

Specimen

24 hour urine collection into acid preservative

Container

Acidified 24 hour urine container

Collection

Patients should avoid serotonin-rich foods which can interfere with the assay (Bananas, pineapples, kiwi fruit, nuts and avocados.) All drugs should be recorded on request form.

Lab. Handling

Record 24hr volume, aliquot and store at 4C

Causes for Rejection

Reference Range

Less than 31 umol/24 hours. In patients with carcinoid, levels are typically in the range 130-1300 umol/24hr.

        

 


Last edited 07/08/08