Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test
Short Name: Serotonin (5-HT) Serum
Also known as: 5-HT, 5-Hydroxytryptamine, Serum, Serotonin Blood Test
Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-EC) on Serum samples. Results in Reports are usually generated within 3 working days. For samples received by Tuesday 9 am, the report is generally ready by Friday.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the serum serotonin test in clinical practice is to support the diagnosis and monitoring of carcinoid tumours and neuroendocrine tumours that secrete serotonin. It is not a routine screen for mood disorders.
- Test Code
- 3641
- CPT Code
- 84244
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are usually generated within 3 working days. For samples received by Tuesday 9 am, the report is generally ready by Friday.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-EC)
Sample Collection
Patient should strictly avoid bananas, walnuts, tomatoes, pineapples, plums, gooseberries, avocados, aubergines, kiwi fruits, chocolates and drugs like lithium, MAO inhibitors, methyldopa, reserpine, fluoxetine, and strenuous exercise at least 48 hours before and during specimen collection. Routine fasting is not required, but follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 3 mL of venous blood into a serum separator tube. The procedure takes about 5–10 minutes.
Report Delivery
After collection, keep the pressure bandage in place for a few minutes. You can resume normal activities and diet unless otherwise instructed. Do not self-interpret results; discuss them with your doctor.
Timeline: Reports are usually generated within 3 working days. For samples received by Tuesday 9 am, the report is generally ready by Friday.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the serum serotonin test in clinical practice is to support the diagnosis and monitoring of carcinoid tumours and neuroendocrine tumours that secrete serotonin. It is not a routine screen for mood disorders.
How to Prepare
- Avoid serotonin-rich foods at least 48 hours before specimen collection.
- Avoid strenuous exercise at least 48 hours before and during specimen collection.
- Do not take lithium, MAO inhibitors, methyldopa, reserpine, or fluoxetine unless prescribed; consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
- Inform the phlebotomist about all current medicines and supplements.
- No routine fasting is required for this standalone test.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Strict adherence to the 48-hour dietary and drug restrictions is the single most important pre-analytical factor. Without this, the serum serotonin result can be misleading and may lead to unnecessary investigations."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not collected in an SST serum tube
- Insufficient serum volume below 2 mL
- Haemolysed or grossly lipemic sample
- Documented non-compliance with dietary or drug restrictions
- Incorrect or mismatched patient labelling
Understanding Your Results
Level: Elevated
Level: Normal
Level: Low
If your report is abnormal, or if you continue to experience symptoms such as flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing, or unexplained weight loss, consult an oncologist or your referring physician promptly. Do not stop or change any medicine based only on this test result.
Limitations
- ⚠Not a screening test for depression or anxiety
- ⚠One-time blood serotonin measurement may miss intermittent tumour secretion
- ⚠Dietary and drug interference can falsely elevate or lower results
- ⚠Should not be used alone to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours; combine with urinary 5-HIAA, imaging, and clinical findings
- ⚠Reference ranges vary between laboratories and methods
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or discomfort at the venipuncture site
- ●Bruising or swelling
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after blood draw
- ●Rare risk of infection or prolonged bleeding
Interfering Factors
- ●Foods: bananas, walnuts, tomatoes, pineapples, plums, gooseberries, avocados, aubergines, kiwi fruits, chocolates
- ●Medications: lithium, MAO inhibitors, methyldopa, reserpine, fluoxetine
- ●Strenuous exercise within 48 hours before sample collection
- ●Improper sample storage or delayed separation
- ●Haemolysed or lipemic samples
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test | Serotonin (5-HT) Serum | 5-HIAA, 24-Hour Urine | Chromogranin A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test at DNA Labs India?
What does the Serotonin (5-HT) Serum Test measure?
Why is this test ordered?
Is the serotonin serum test used to diagnose depression or anxiety?
What should I avoid before the test?
Do I need to fast for the test?
What is the normal reference range for serum serotonin?
What does an elevated serotonin level mean?
What does a low serotonin level mean?
When will I get the report?
Is free home sample collection available for this test?
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