24 Hrs Urinary 5 HIAA Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid Test in UAE

24 Hrs Urinary 5-HIAA (Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid) test in Dubai and across the UAE to help diagnose carcinoid tumors. This specialized test measures the breakdown product of serotonin and is essential for evaluating unexplained flushing, diarrhea, or heart valve issues. Results available within 7–10 days.

Overview

The 24-Hour Urinary 5-HIAA test measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid — the main metabolite of serotonin — excreted in your urine over 24 hours. Elevated levels are a key indicator of **carcinoid tumors**, which are slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors often found in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. This test is highly sensitive and commonly used to diagnose and monitor carcinoid syndrome. Results are typically available within 7–10 business days.

Why You Need This Test

• Diagnose **carcinoid tumors** in patients with symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, or wheezing.
• Evaluate unexplained chronic diarrhea not linked to IBS or infection.
• Investigate episodes of facial flushing (redness, warmth, sweating).
• Assess patients with heart valve abnormalities suggestive of carcinoid heart disease.
• Monitor known carcinoid tumor patients for disease progression or recurrence.
• Follow-up after imaging (CT/MRI) shows a suspicious mass in the gut or lungs.
• Available with home urine collection kit across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all Emirates.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Common Symptoms (Carcinoid Syndrome)

• Facial or upper body flushing (episodes of redness and warmth)
• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes explosive)
• Wheezing or shortness of breath (resembling asthma)
• Heart palpitations or heart valve disease (right-sided)
• Abdominal pain or bloating

Risk Factors

• Age 50–70 (most common age group)
• History of neuroendocrine tumors or related syndromes
• Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) or genetic syndromes
• Prolonged, unexplained GI symptoms without clear diagnosis
• Incidental finding of a tumor on abdominal or lung imaging

How the Test Works

5-HIAA is the primary breakdown product of **serotonin**, a hormone often overproduced by carcinoid tumors. Measuring its excretion in a **24-hour urine sample** provides the most accurate assessment of serotonin production.

• Step 1 — Preparation: follow dietary restrictions for 48–72 hours before and during collection (avoid serotonin-rich foods).
• Step 2 — Kit delivery: receive a urine container with preservative and instructions.
• Step 3 — Collection: discard your first morning urine, then collect all urine over the next 24 hours, ending with the first void the next morning.
• Step 4 — Storage: keep the container refrigerated throughout the collection.
• Step 5 — Return: deliver or ship the sample to the lab.
• Step 6 — Results: delivered securely within 7–10 business days.

This test is considered the **gold standard** for diagnosing carcinoid syndrome.

Sample Type

• We take: A complete 24-hour urine collection
• Minimum volume: 20 mL (but full 24-hour collection is required)
• Container: provided jug with preservative (usually acidic)
• How it’s collected: collect all urine passed over 24 hours in one container
• Storage: must be kept refrigerated (2–8°C) during collection
• Note: incomplete or improperly stored samples may be rejected

Risks & Safety

• No physical risks — non-invasive urine collection.
• Minimal inconvenience due to 24-hour collection and dietary prep.
• No pain or side effects from the test itself.
• Safe for adults and older children.

Result Interpretation

Normal Range

• Adults: Less than 8 mg/24hr (lab-dependent)
• Values may vary slightly based on diet and lab method

Elevated Levels

• May indicate:
  • Carcinoid tumor (especially midgut: appendix, ileum, colon)
  • Carcinoid syndrome (with flushing, diarrhea, heart involvement)
  • Mastocytosis or rare metabolic disorders (less common)
• Levels >50 mg/24hr often correlate with tumor burden and symptoms.

Low or Normal Levels

• Do not completely rule out a tumor — some carcinoid tumors are non-secretory.
• May require repeat testing or additional imaging (e.g., Octreoscan, Chromogranin A).

Consequences if Untreated

• Carcinoid tumors can grow and spread (metastasize), especially to the liver.
• Carcinoid syndrome can lead to severe diarrhea, malnutrition, and dehydration.
• Carcinoid heart disease: causes irreversible heart valve damage.
• Delayed diagnosis reduces treatment effectiveness and survival rates.

Factors Affecting Test Results

• Diet: avoid foods high in serotonin (bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, avocados, walnuts, eggplant) for 48–72 hours before and during collection.
• Medications: acetaminophen (paracetamol), cough syrups, aspirin, and certain antidepressants can interfere.
• Incomplete collection: leads to falsely low results.
• Improper storage: if not refrigerated, 5-HIAA breaks down and results become inaccurate.
• Renal function: poor kidney function may reduce excretion.

FAQs

Limitations

• Requires **accurate 24-hour collection** and **strict dietary preparation**.
• Some carcinoid tumors do not secrete serotonin — may have normal 5-HIAA.
• False positives/negatives possible with improper diet or medication use.
• Not a standalone test — must be combined with imaging and clinical evaluation.
• Home collection requires refrigeration — delays or warming affect accuracy.

Book Your 24 Hrs Urinary 5-HIAA Test Today

Don’t ignore unexplained flushing or diarrhea — get accurate answers for neuroendocrine health.

• Home Collection Kit Included (Delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah)
• Fast, Accurate, Confidential Results in 7–10 Days
• Price: AED 550
• ✅ Certified Labs | Specialized Hormone Testing
• 📦 Free Kit Delivery & Return
• 🔒 Secure Reporting