Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- 24 Hour Urine (Acid Collection)
Specimen Transport
Not applicable
Sample Processing in Laboratory
No special transport conditions apply
Turnaround Time
2 weeksSample Stability
Stored at 4oC
5 Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid (5HIAA)
General Information
Measurement of urinary 5-hydroxy indole-3-acetic acid (5HIAA) output is used in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with carcinoid tumours. These tumours are found principally in the gastrointestinal tract, but may also occur in the respiratory and urogenital tracts. The "carcinoid syndrome" is attributable to carcinoid tumours of the mid-gut with liver metastases or primary tumours, such as ovarian carcinoids, with direct drainage into the circulation. The classical syndrome consists of attacks of skin flushing, diarrhoea and less frequently bronchoconstriction. Features of the disease, which may vary between patients, are thought to be mediated by a variety of tumour-produced secretory products including the monoamine 5 hydroxytryptamine (5HT). The 5HT produced is metabolised to 5HIAA and excreted in the urine.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Please note: following a recent change in assay platform, this test has been fully validated and is suitable for clinical use but is not currently included within the laboratory’s UKAS accreditation. Accreditation is pending extension to scope.
Reference Range
5HIAA <50μmol/24h
5HIAA is affected by diet; levels can increase following ingestion of pineapples, bananas and some nuts.
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
-
EQA Status:
UKNEQAS for Urinary Catecholamines Scheme