5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid (5-HIAA) Test

5-HIAA or 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid is excreted in the urine and is one of the major metabolite serotonins. People who are suffering from carcinoid tumor and neuroendocrine tumor have excess levels of 5-5-HIAA and serotonin, particularly in those with carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is related is ailments like carcinoid tumor, heart disease, hepatomegaly and flushing. A 24-hour urine sample can help in diagnosing carcinoid disease with a very accurate specific measure.

Before you get ready for your 5-HIAA test, you should be well aware of: Not to intake food that has a high serotonin content. Avocados, eggplant, dates, all fruits and tomatoes within the next 48 hours as of your urinating collection as it can result in a false excretion of elevated 5-HIAA. Certain drugs that can affect 5-HIAA excretion mechanism. This includes metabolism, release and inhibition of uptake and increased serotonin synthesis. Therefore, you should avoid these medications at least 48 hours prior to examination. These medications include Aspirin, Antihistamine, Acetaminophen, Cold-Flu medicines and Cough syrups Avoid caffeine beverages like tea and coffee, at least 48 hours prior to your test.

Avoid taking any cough syrup At no cost take Compazine or Thorazine Do not use any spray or nasal spray especially if you develop sweat on using these medications Do not take any hypertension, muscle relaxer or Tylenol. Lower back pain removers like Robaxin, in particular Stop talking Flexeril or Valium 2 days prior to your examination

Individuals who are diagnosed with nonspecific symptoms indicating possibility of carcinoid tumor, can be prescribed to get a 5-HIAA test done. Other issues, the test can be prescribed for are: Heart related issues due to heart valve problem Flushing or reddening area around the neck and face with no sweat, palpitation or increased rate of your heart beat Abdominal pain Breathing, Persistent Cough difficulty Nocturnal or nighttime and or nauseous Apart from the above, those who are undergoing carcinoid tumor treatment need to be regularly monitored.

As is, a 24-urine sample is required for the test. The procedure to collect the urine sample is as follows: Discard the he first urine of the day in the morning. Note the time. This time will be your 24-hour mark. The health care will provide you with a container in which you are to collect your 24-hour urine sample. Make sure the container does not get contaminated. For safety use a small container to collect new sample and put it into the large container. If refrigerator is available place the container inside to keep at low temperature or arrange for some ice. Few minutes before your 24-hour deadline, collect your last sample of the day. Make sure sample is clean and is not contaminated with stool, menstrual blood, pubic hair or toilet paper, etc.