5-Hydroxyindole Acetic Acid (5-HIAA), 24 hr Urine

Specimen Type

Containers

Collection Containers

Volume

Sample Volume

10 mL

Patient Preparation

The following foods and medications should be avoided for three (3) days prior to the collection of urine, and during the collection of the sample:
Foods containing high hydroxyindole concentrations (e.g. aubergines, avocados, bananas, black- and red-currants, kiwi, gooseberries, melons, tomatoes, plums, pineapples and walnuts) as well as Glyceryl Guaiacolate (an ingredient in some cough medicines) can increase urinary 5-HIAA excretion. Pregnancy and sleep deprivation can also result in raised 5-HIAA excretion.
Medications and drugs such as Levodopa, Methyldopa, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Ethanol, Imipramine, Isoniazid, Reserpine and p-Chlorophenylalanine can reduce 5- HIAA production. Others, such as Acetanilide, Phenacetin, Methocarbamol, Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, Melphalan and Rauwolfia Alkaloids can increase urinary 5-HIAA, as can 5- Hydroxytryptophan, which is used to treat depression and is available over-the-counter.

Collection & Handling

Collection Instructions

24-hour urine collected in a polyethylene container with 25 mL 6N Hydrochloric Acid. It is important that the urine is refrigerated during the collection. The pH of the urinemustbe < 4.0.

Handling Information

The final pH must be maintained from 2 – 4.

Additional Information

Provide 24 hour volume and date of collection.

Stability

Rejection Criteria