Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Hydroxyindoleacetic acid- (5HIAA)- Random/24hr
Alias or Abbreviation:5HIAA, Urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189 accredited test: On scope
Intro:
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) is formed during normal metabolism of serotonin. Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter formed from tryptophan. Serotonin is metabolised enzymatically, mainly in the liver but also in the brain and lungs, by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) to 5HIAA which is excreted into the urine by the kidneys.Analysis of 24hour urinary 5HIAA is used to aid diagnosis and monitor therapy of serotonin secreting tumours known as carcinoid tumours.
Pathology Laboratory:Manuals laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:umol/24hr
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days
Test Code:HIAA
Sample Type:
24h urine collection with acid preservative or 1 mL aliquot.Random urine samples can be used if 24h collection not available.
Urine samples should ideally have a pH of 4-6 and be protected from light.
Complex Reference Range:10 - 42 µmol/24h
Collection Conditions / Other Information:5HIAA is unstable in strongly acidic solutions (pH <3.0). Urine samples collected into containers with HCl preservative should be titrated with 6M NaOH to pH 4-6.
Request forms should provide information on: collection start date/time, collection end date/time, collection volume and pH.
The following foodstuffs contain large amounts of serotonin. Their consumption results in an increase in urinary 5HIAA excretion.
Patients should avoid these foodstuffs for the 2 days prior to and during the 24-hour urine collection.
• Aubergines
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Black currants
• Damson plums
• Gooseberries
• Mirabelle plums
• Pineapples
• Red currants
• Tomatoes
• Walnuts
The following medications may cause altered levels of 5HIAA in vivo or due to analytical interference.
Increased 5HIAA
• 5-hydroxytryptophan (otc)
• Acetanilide
• Phenacetin
• Methocarbamol
• Cisplatin
• Fluorouracil
• Melphalan
• Rauwolfia
• Glyceryl guaiacolate (cough medicine ingredient)
Decreased 5HIAA
• Levodopa
• Methyldopa
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide)
• Ethanol
• Imipramine
• Isoniazid
• Reserpine
• P-chlorophenylalanine
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:+2°C to +8°C prior to postage.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Pathology department,
Specialist Chemistry,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS Urinary Catecholamines & Metabolites scheme.
Lead Contact Details:Clinical Scientist, Anna Sanders
Email: anna.sanders@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:01215075162
