5- HIAA: price and preparation | IntroLab Belgrade
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5- HIAA

Price2.500 RSD
Result inup to 5 days
Sample24h urine
5- HIAA test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Written byMilica Ranković 5- HIAA test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Medically reviewed byDr. Igor Švonja, MD

Published: Updated:

The 5-HIAA test is a urine analysis used to measure the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), a product of serotonin metabolism in the liver. Serotonin is a hormone that plays a key role in nerve impulse transmission, affecting sleep and mood, and is normally excreted through urine. This type of biochemical urine analysis is part of the services offered by the private laboratory in Belgrade, IntroLab.

Why is the 5-HIAA test done?

This analysis is most commonly performed if there is suspicion of a carcinoid tumor. These tumors secrete serotonin, leading to increased production of 5-HIAA. Symptoms of a carcinoid tumor can vary, but typically include:

  • Facial and neck flushing
  • Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Irregular heart activity
  • Watery eyes
  • Asthma-like symptoms
  • Sexual dysfunction in men

How is the analysis performed?

This analysis requires a 24-hour urine sample. It is important to keep the sample in a cool, dark place during collection.

Interpreting the results

Normal results range from 2 to 9 milligrams (mg) of 5-HIAA over 24 hours. Women usually have lower levels than men. Elevated levels of 5-HIAA may indicate carcinoid tumors, non-carcinoid tumors, cystic fibrosis, or malabsorption. Decreased levels of 5-HIAA may indicate depression or migraines.

Preparation for the test

It is recommended to avoid foods containing serotonin at least 3 days before the test or during the testing period. Also, you may need to stop taking certain medications before the test. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications and any illegal drugs you may be consuming.

Possible factors affecting the results

Consumption of certain foods containing serotonin can increase 5-HIAA levels. These foods include bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, tomatoes, eggplant, avocado, and certain types of nuts, such as walnuts and pecans. Also, certain medications can increase or decrease 5-HIAA levels. These medications include acetaminophen, ethyl alcohol, some antidepressants, cough medicines or antihistamines, muscle relaxants. Strenuous physical activity can also raise 5-HIAA levels.

Test safety

This test is completely safe and carries no health risks for patients.

Cost and time required to obtain 5-HIAA test results

To perform the 5-HIAA test at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade, it costs 2,500 RSD. Results are usually available within 5 days.

Sample and preparation: 5- HIAA

Sample
24h urine
Sampling
Urine collection
Result in
up to 5 days
Preparation
Prepare a bottle for collecting 24-hour urine (determine whether one or more 2-liter bottles are needed). Discard the first morning urine portion (do not pour it into the bottle). Collect all other urine portions during the day and night in the bottle. Add the first morning portion of the next day to the bottle and deliver the entire amount of urine to the laboratory for analysis. For certain analyses, it is necessary to first pour a preservative into the bottle – ask in the laboratory about the procedure.
Category
Urine analysis

Frequently asked questions

How is urine collected for 5-HIAA and how much does the test cost?

For the 5- HIAA test, all urine over 24 hours is collected: the first morning urine is discarded, all the rest goes into the bottle, and the first morning urine of the next day is added. Keep the sample in a cool, dark place during collection, and ask the laboratory about a preservative. For at least 3 days before and during collection, avoid bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, tomatoes, eggplant, avocado and walnuts. At IntroLab laboratory the test costs 2,500 RSD, and the result is ready in up to 5 days.

What does a 5-HIAA result show?

A 5-HIAA result shows how much of the serotonin breakdown product is excreted in urine over 24 hours. The test is most often done when a carcinoid tumor is suspected, which secretes serotonin and causes flushing of the face and neck, diarrhea and cramps. Elevated 5-HIAA may point to a carcinoid tumor, but also to other conditions such as malabsorption, and the result is also affected by some foods, medications and strenuous physical activity. The result from IntroLab laboratory is interpreted by a doctor.

Urine analysis

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