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HelpTest Code HIAA 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, 24 Hour, Urine
Reporting Name
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, UUseful For
Biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal carcinoid syndrome using 24-hour urine specimens
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
This test is the preferred test for measurement of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations. If a random urine collection is preferred, order HIAAR / 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, Random, Urine.
Necessary Information
1. Collection duration and urine volume in milliliters are required.
2. Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Some medications could interfere with test results. The ordering provider should decide if any medications should be stopped and when they should be restarted. If clinically feasible, discontinue the following medications at least 48 hours prior to, as well as during, specimen collection:
-Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic versions)
-Tryptophan containing supplements
2. For 48 hours prior to, as well as during, the urine collection, the patient should:
Limit the following to one serving per day:
-Fruits
-Vegetables
-Nuts
-Caffeinated beverages or foods
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Add 25 mL of 50% acetic acid as preservative at start of collection. Use 15 mL of 50% acetic acid for children <5 years old.
2. Collect a 24-hour urine specimen.
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 56 days | |
| Frozen | 365 days |
Special Instructions
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83497
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HIAA | 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, U | 1695-6 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9248 | 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, U | 1695-6 |
| TM35 | Collection Duration | 13362-9 |
| VL33 | Urine Volume | 3167-4 |
Clinical Information
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the major metabolite of serotonin and is excreted in the urine. Intestinal carcinoid tumors, along with neuroendocrine tumors, can produce excess amounts of 5-HIAA and serotonin, especially in individuals with carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by carcinoid tumors, flushing, heart disease, and hepatomegaly.
Measurement of 5-HIAA in a 24-hour urine specimen can diagnose carcinoid disease with a high specificity.
Cautions
Intake of food with a high content of serotonin (avocados, dates, eggplant, all fruit [including bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, melons, pineapple, plantains, plums], all nuts [including hickory nuts, butternuts, pecans, walnuts], and tomatoes and tomato products) within 48 hours of the urine collection could result in falsely elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) excretion.
Numerous drugs affect the excretion of 5-HIAA by different mechanisms, including increased serotonin synthesis, metabolism, and release and inhibition of uptake. The following medications can interfere with 5-HIAA results.
-Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic versions)
-Tryptophan containing supplements
Patient should also avoid caffeinated beverages, such as tea and coffee, or caffeinated foods, such as dark chocolate, for 48 hours before and during specimen collection.
Report Available
2 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
7 daysMethod Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.