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.
Patient should avoid consumption of bananas, avocados, plums, eggplant, tomatoes, plantain, pineapple, walnuts, and interfering drugs for a 72-hour period prior to and during collection.
Dk green heparin (Li or Na), no gel
Immediately following collection, mix sample by inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting
Frozen (preferred) - 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x 6
Ambient - 3 days
Refrigerated - 3 days
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry
<22 ng/mL