5-HIAA is a urine test that measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). 5-HIAA is a breakdown product of a hormone called serotonin. This test tells how much 5-HIAA the body is producing. It is also a way to measure how much serotonin is in the body.

What is the 5-HIAA urine test for?

The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) test is used to help diagnose and monitor carcinoid tumors. It may be ordered by itself or along with a blood serotonin and/or chromogranin A level.

Which of the following causes an elevated 5-HIAA in a 24 hour urine collection?

A number of substances interfere with determination of urinary 5-HIAA. Causes of Elevated 5-HIAA: Foods: Avocado, bananas, eggplant, kiwi fruit, nuts (hickory nuts, pecans, walnuts), pineapple, plums, tomato products. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp.

How accurate is 5-HIAA urine test?

However, fasting plasma 5-HIAA assay showed greater stability than whole blood serotonin assay and is more convenient for the patient than a 24-h urine collection. At a cut-off value of 118 nmol/L plasma 5-HIAA assay showed a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 97% and a test efficiency of 93%.

What could cause a false positive result in a urine 5-HIAA test?

False-positive 24-hour urine 5-HIAA results may be induced by the ingestion of tryptophan/serotonin-rich foods (pineapple, banana, kiwi, plum, tomato, avocado, walnut, eggplant, hickory nut, etc.), and certain medications and supplements such as acetaminophen, nicotine, and caffeine (5,6).

What disease may be associated with increased 5-HIAA levels?

Diseases or disorders in which urinary 5-hydroxy indoleacetic acid increases include intestinal neuroendocrine tumors, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and autism spectrum disorder.

What does a low 5-HIAA mean?

24-hour urine 5-HIAA test With low values, levels less than 2 mg/24 h are found in depressive illness, Hartnup disease, mastocytosis, phenylketonuria, renal disease, and related small intestine resection (related to a decrease in enterochromaffin-producing cells).

What is a carcinoid Tumour?

Carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that grows from neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells receive and send messages through hormones to help the body function. Neuroendocrine cells are found in organs throughout the body. Carcinoid tumors often grow very slowly.

Would a blood test show carcinoid?

Blood and urine tests. Blood and urine tests can be very helpful in diagnosing carcinoid syndrome in patients who have symptoms that might be caused by it. Many GI carcinoid tumors, especially those in the small intestine, make serotonin (also called 5-HT).

What is elevated 5-HIAA?

You may have higher levels of 5-HIAA in your urine if you have a carcinoid tumor. These tumors secrete serotonin. With more serotonin in your body, more is broken down. This leads to more 5-HIAA in your urine.

What causes elevated chromogranin A?

CgA levels may be elevated in conditions such as liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, chronic bronchitis, renal insufficiency, and stress. These possible causes for elevated CgA levels should be considered when interpreting test results.

What does the level of 5-HIAA in the cerebrospinal fluid indicate?

Low levels of 5-HIAA in the cerebrospinal fluid have been associated with aggressive behavior and suicide by violent means, correlating with diminished serotonin levels.

Does alcohol affect 5-HIAA test?

Tea, coffee and nicotine can elevate 5HIAA results. Alcohol can cause falsely lower 5HIAA results.

What does HIAA stand for?

Acronym. Definition. HIAA. Health Insurance Association of America.

What causes serotonin in urine?

Serotonin- or tryptophan-rich foods (avocados, bananas, plums, walnuts, pineapple, eggplant, plantain, tomatoes, hickory nuts, kiwi, dates, grapefruit, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon) will elevate urinary serotonin and urinary 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels markedly.

What were your symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?

The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome include episodes of warmth and redness of the face, head and upper chest; diarrhea; marked changes in blood pressure (usually hypotension, a decrease in blood pressure); asthmatic-like wheezing; weight loss or gain; malnutrition; dehydration; weakness; muscle and joint aching; and …

Is carcinoid malignant or benign?

Carcinoid tumors are noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) growths that sometimes produce excessive amounts of hormone-like substances (such as serotonin), resulting in the carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is a group of specific symptoms that occur as a result of these hormones.

How do you measure serotonin in urine?

Your doctor may first administer a 24-hour urine test or blood test to determine the levels of a metabolite of serotonin called 5-HIAA. The urine test is different than most urine tests, and is quite involved, as your urine will need to be collected and monitored for 24-hours.

Which organ is affected due to the deficiency of serotonin?

This includes brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behavior. In terms of our body function, serotonin can also affect the functioning of our cardiovascular system, muscles, and various elements in the endocrine system.

What are normal serotonin levels in urine?

Measure 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the end product of serotonin metabolism, in a 24-hour urine collection. Normal excretion ranges from 2 to 8 mg/day. … Table 1.

5-HIAA, urine Serotonin, blood
>100 mg/day 790-4500 ng/mL

What neurotransmitter for which the metabolite 5-HIAA in CSF is evident and predictive of suicide?

Low concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with suicidal behaviour in patients with depressive illness, but studies of the relation between CSF 5-HIAA and suicide in schizophrenia have been inconclusive and have not included long-term …

Can you take Tylenol 24 hour urine test?

Substances in these foods may interfere with this test. Also avoid these medications or medications that contain: L-dopa, acetaminophen (Tylenol), salicylates, (aspirin) and cough syrup containing guaifenesin. Do not eat seafood during the 48-hour period prior to start of collection.

Where is serotonin produced?

In the central nervous system (CNS), serotonin is almost exclusively produced in neurons originating in the raphe nuclei located in the midline of the brainstem. These serotonin-producing neurons form the largest and most complex efferent system in the human brain.

Is carcinoid syndrome fatal?

Carcinoid crisis can occur in people with carcinoid tumors when they are exposed to certain triggers, including anesthetic used during surgery. Carcinoid crisis can be fatal. Your doctor may give you medications before surgery to reduce the risk of carcinoid crisis.

How long can you live with a carcinoid tumor?

Overall, people with carcinoid tumours have a good life expectancy compared to many other cancers, with around 70-80% surviving at least five years from diagnosis. Many people remain relatively well and lead active lives, with only occasional symptoms.

What is the most common symptom of carcinoid syndrome?

Flushing is the most common and often first appearing sign of carcinoid syndrome. The skin around the face and upper chest may become hot and change color, reddening to pink or purple in tone. Flushing is typically dry; however some people may experience wet flushing if the body begins to perspire.

How do you rule out a carcinoid tumor?

Diagnosis

  1. X-rays and scans. Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are all useful in diagnosis.
  2. OctreoScan. This is a special type of scan that is most often used to find carcinoid tumors. …
  3. Exam and biopsy. …
  4. Urine test. …
  5. Blood test.

Can you have carcinoid syndrome without a tumor?

Not all GI carcinoid tumors cause the carcinoid syndrome. For example, those in the rectum usually do not make the hormone-like substances that cause these symptoms. Most cases of carcinoid syndrome occur only after the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.

Can carcinoid patients eat bananas?

You will want to avoid foods that contain high levels of serotonin, such as some nuts, bananas, pineapples and tomatoes, especially before having a 5-HIAA urine test. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of mines, nitrogen-containing organic compounds, as they can trigger the release of serotonin and other hormones.