OVERVIEW:
What is the 5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) lab test?
5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) lab test is a urine test that analyzes the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid being produced by the body.
Why is the 5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) lab test done?
A 5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) is done in order to:
- Diagnose a carcinoid tumor (slow growing tumor) that produces too much serotonin,
- Monitor a carcinoid tumor (slow growing tumor) that produces too much serotonin.
What does the 5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) lab test measure?
5 HIAA 24 hours urine lab test measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid present in the body. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid is a breakdown product of a hormone called serotonin.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor may recommend you to stop taking certain medicines before the test. You will be asked to avoid certain food items for 3 days before this test.
What does an abnormal test result indicate?
An abnormal 5 HIAA 24 hours urine lab test result may be due to endocrine or carcinoid tumors (slow growing tumor) and increased immune cells in several organs.
What does the level of 5-HIAA in the cerebrospinal fluid indicate?
Low concentration of 5 HIAA in CSF is associated with suicidal behavior in patients with depressive illness.
How long does a 5-HIAA test take?
In the case of the urine test, the level of 5-HIAA is monitored over a 14-hour period.
Normal range of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid is 2 – 9mg/24 hours.
A 5 HIAA 24 hours urine (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) is done in order to:
- Diagnose a carcinoid tumor (slow growing tumor) that produces too much serotonin,
- Monitor a carcinoid tumor (slow growing tumor) that produces too much serotonin.