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Test Code LAB14408 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, Plasma


Ordering Guidance


This test quantifies 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in plasma specimens and is comparable to testing on 24-hour and random urine specimens for the diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal carcinoid syndrome.



Necessary Information


Patient's age is required.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation:

1. Some medications could interfere with test results. If medically feasible, for 48 hours before and during specimen collection, patient should not take the following medications:

-Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic versions)

-Tryptophan containing supplements.

2. For 24 hours prior to and during collection, the patient should limit the following to one serving per day:

-Fruits

-Vegetables

-Caffeinated beverages or foods

3. For 24 hours prior to and during collection, patients should not eat nuts, especially walnuts. Plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels revert to baseline levels when walnuts are ingested after other foods.

 

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge at 4° C.

2. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial.

3. Send plasma frozen.


Secondary ID

619735

Useful For

Biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal carcinoid syndrome using a plasma specimen

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Reporting Name

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, P

Specimen Type

Plasma

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma Frozen (preferred) 60 days
  Refrigerated  72 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Thawing** Cold OK; Warm reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

≤6 months: ≤130 ng/mL

>6 months: ≤30 ng/mL

Cautions

Intake of food with a high content of serotonin (avocados, dates, eggplant, all fruit [including bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwifruit, melons, pineapple, plantains, plums], all nuts [including walnuts, hickory nuts, butternuts, pecans, walnuts], and tomatoes and tomato products) within 24 hours of the plasma collection could result in falsely elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) excretion.

 

Numerous drugs affect the excretion of 5-HIAA by different mechanisms, including increased serotonin synthesis, metabolism, and release and inhibition of uptake. The following medications can interfere with 5-HIAA results:

-Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic versions)

-Tryptophan containing supplements

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Report Available

2 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83497

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HIAAP 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, P 1693-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
619735 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, P 1693-1

NY State Approved

Yes