5-HIAA (5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid) Random Urine Test
Short Name: 5-HIAA Random Urine Test
Also known as: 5-HIAA Urine Test, Serotonin Metabolite Test
5-HIAA (5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid) Random Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,000. Uses High Performance Liquid Chromatography on Random Urine samples. Results in 1 week. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To diagnose carcinoid tumors by measuring 5-HIAA levels in urine, which is a byproduct of serotonin produced by these tumors.
- Test Code
- 45
- Price
- ₹5,000
- Sample Type
- Random Urine
- Result Time
- 1 week
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Sample Collection
Avoid banana, kiwi, walnut, avocado, brinjal, pineapple, plum, tomato, and specified drugs for at least 72 hours before sample collection. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, tea/coffee, tobacco, and strenuous exercise.
Method: Clean catch midstream urine collection
Laboratory Analysis
Collect a random urine sample in a sterile container. Add 50% HCl drop by drop to adjust pH between 1-2. Do not use concentrated HCl.
Report Delivery
Store the sample refrigerated or frozen and transport to the laboratory promptly for analysis.
Timeline: 1 week
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To diagnose carcinoid tumors by measuring 5-HIAA levels in urine, which is a byproduct of serotonin produced by these tumors.
How to Prepare
- Collect 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) of random urine in a sterile container.
- Add 50% HCl drop by drop to bring pH between 1-2; avoid concentrated HCl.
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to maintain stability.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Early detection of carcinoid tumors via 5-HIAA testing improves treatment outcomes and patient prognosis."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not preserved with HCl or incorrect pH
- Sample contaminated or improperly stored
- Patient did not adhere to pre-test dietary and drug restrictions
Understanding Your Results
Possible carcinoid tumor; further diagnostic tests such as CT scan or MRI may be required for confirmation.
Level: Elevated
Unlikely presence of a carcinoid tumor, but clinical correlation is essential.
Level: Normal
If you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin flushing, wheezing, or unexplained weight changes, consult a doctor to determine if this test is necessary.
Limitations
- ⚠Random urine collection may be less accurate than 24-hour urine collection
- ⚠Results can be influenced by diet and medications
- ⚠Not specific to carcinoid tumors; other conditions may elevate 5-HIAA levels
Risks & Considerations
- ●Non-invasive procedure with no significant risks associated with urine collection.
- ●Potential for minor discomfort during sample collection, but generally safe.
Interfering Factors
- ●Consumption of serotonin-rich foods (e.g., banana, kiwi, walnut, avocado, brinjal, pineapple, plum, tomato)
- ●Use of certain medications (e.g., Fluorouracil, Melphalan, Paracetamol, Heparin, L-dopa, Reserpine, Salicylates)
- ●Intake of alcoholic beverages, caffeine, tea/coffee, or tobacco
- ●Strenuous exercise within 72 hours of sample collection
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | 5-HIAA (5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid) Random Urine Test | Chromogranin A Blood Test | CT Scan Abdomen | MRI Abdomen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | 5-HIAA (5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid) Random Urine Test |
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