5-HIAA : labtest

Why Get Tested?
To help diagnose and monitor treatment for a serotonin-secreting carcinoid tumor
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms suggestive of a carcinoid tumor such as flushing, diarrhea, and/or wheezing, and at intervals following treatment
Sample Required?
A 24-hour urine sample; rarely a random urine sample

How is it used?
5-HIAA may be ordered by itself or along with a blood serotonin level to help diagnose and monitor carcinoid tumors. A 24-hour urine sample is preferred for the 5-HIAA test because the metabolite level in the urine can vary during the day. A random urine sample is sometimes tested, usually along with a urine creatinine level, when a 24-hour sample is not feasible. The random sample is not as accurate, however, and if the excess 5-HIAA is released intermittently, then it may be missed.

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