5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (HIAA), Plasma
Also known as: 5HIAA PLA
Use
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (HIAA) is a metabolite of serotonin and is mainly used to help diagnose carcinoid syndrome, which is associated with serotonin-producing tumors. Elevated levels of HIAA can indicate the presence of such tumors, while normal levels suggest absence. This test helps in monitoring treatment effectiveness and detecting recurrences of metastatic tumor.
Special Instructions
Discontinue acetaminophen and tryptophan-containing supplements at least 48 hours prior to specimen collection if clinically feasible. Patients should abstain from eating nuts, especially walnuts, and limit fruits, vegetables, and caffeinated beverages to one serving per day in the preceding 24 hours before specimen collection. Specimen collection from green (sodium heparin) tube is preferred; lavender (EDTA) is also acceptable.
Limitations
This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results obtained from this assay cannot be used interchangeably with those from other methods or assay kits. Results should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease, as dietary intake and certain medications can cause temporary elevation of 5HIAA levels.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1693-1
Result Turnaround Time
5-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Green (sodium heparin) tube; Lavender (EDTA) tube is acceptable
Collection Instructions
Transfer 0.5 mL plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Discontinue acetaminophen and tryptophan, abstain from nuts, and limit fruits, vegetables, and caffeinated beverages 24 hours prior.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Ambient samples are unacceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 2 months |