Test Overview
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
In conjunction or as an alternative to 5-HIAA or serum chromogranin A measurements as a first line test in the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome.
<=230 ng/mL
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Medications that may affect serotonin concentrations include lithium, MAO inhibitors, methyldopa, morphine, and reserpine.
Test Details
6 - 9 days
- 5-Hydroxytryptamine
- Hydroxytryptamine, 5-
- SEROTS
- SEROTONIN, SERUM
- SEROS
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in a red top or SST tube. Centrifuge as soon as blood has clotted, aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 30 minutes of collection and refrigerate.
Deliver to lab within 15 minutes or aliquot within 30 minutes. Spin as soon as blood has clotted.
Additional Information
The preferred sample for measurement of serotonin includes all or most of the platelets (i.e., whole blood) or serum from completely clotted specimens. Serotonin- or tryptophan-rich foods (avocados, bananas, plums, walnuts, pineapple, eggplant, plantain, tomatoes, hickory nuts, kiwi, dates, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon) do not contribute significantly to serum or blood serotonin measurements, but can elevate platelet-poor plasma serotonin, urinary serotonin, and urinary 5-HIAA levels markedly (up to 10-fold). Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.