5-HIAA, Plasma

Use: Plasma 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5HIAA or 5-HIAA) is a metabolite of serotonin that can be elevated as a result of carcinoid tumors/carcinoid syndrome.

Limitations: This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Methodology: High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry

Avoid bananas, avocados, plums, eggplant, tomatoes, plantain, pineapple, walnuts, and interfering drugs for a 72-hour period prior to and during collection.