5-Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid (5-HIAA) - (24 Hour Urine) Test in UAE

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) – 24 Hour Urine Test in Dubai and across the UAE to evaluate serotonin metabolism and detect neuroendocrine tumors. This specialized test is essential for diagnosing **carcinoid syndrome**, a condition caused by serotonin-secreting tumors, often in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. Results available within 10 days.

Overview

The 24-Hour Urinary 5-HIAA test measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid — the primary breakdown product of serotonin — excreted in urine over a full day. Elevated levels are strongly associated with **carcinoid tumors**, which can cause symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, and heart valve damage. This 24-hour collection provides a more accurate assessment than spot urine tests. Results are typically available within 10 business days after the lab receives the sample.

Why You Need This Test

• Diagnose carcinoid syndrome in patients with unexplained flushing, diarrhea, or heart symptoms.
• Monitor known neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients for disease progression.
• Evaluate abnormal imaging findings (e.g., mass in the gut or lungs).
• Investigate chronic diarrhea or facial flushing not explained by other conditions.
• Assess serotonin overproduction when plasma chromogranin A is elevated.
• Follow-up after surgical removal of a carcinoid tumor.
• Available with home urine collection kit across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all Emirates.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Common Symptoms

• Episodic facial flushing (redness and warmth, especially after eating)
• Chronic diarrhea or abdominal cramping
• Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
• Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms
• Heart valve damage (especially right-sided, detected on echocardiogram)

Risk Factors

• History of gastrointestinal or lung tumors
• Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) or neuroendocrine tumors
• Age over 50 — most common in older adults
• Previous diagnosis of a carcinoid tumor
• Chronic unexplained GI symptoms mimicking IBS

How the Test Works

Serotonin, produced by carcinoid tumors, is broken down into 5-HIAA and excreted in urine. The 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA test captures total daily excretion, offering a reliable marker for tumor activity.

• Step 1 — Kit delivery: receive a 24-hour urine container (with preservative) and detailed instructions.
• Step 2 — Collection: discard your first morning urine, then collect all urine over the next 24 hours, ending with the first void the next morning.
• Step 3 — Storage: keep the container refrigerated (2–8°C) throughout the collection.
• Step 4 — Return: return the sample to the lab via courier (free pickup provided).
• Step 5 — Results: securely delivered within 10 business days.

This test is a cornerstone in diagnosing and managing carcinoid tumors.

Sample Type

• We take: Complete 24-hour urine collection
• Minimum volume: 20 mL (but full 24-hour collection required)
• Container: Provided plastic jug with preservative (usually hydrochloric acid)
• 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 due to degradation

Risks & Safety

• No physical risks — non-invasive urine collection.
• Minimal inconvenience due to 24-hour collection process.
• No pain or side effects associated with the test.
• Safe for adults and older children under supervision.
• Preservative warning: Do not touch or pour out the liquid in the container — it’s essential for sample stability.

Result Interpretation

Normal Range

• Normal: Less than 6.0 mg/24hr (or <25 μmol/24hr)
• Levels may vary slightly between labs due to methodology

Elevated Levels

• May indicate:
  • Carcinoid tumor (especially midgut: appendix, ileum, colon)
  • Carcinoid syndrome (with liver metastases)
  • Mastocytosis or rare metabolic disorders

Normal or Low Levels

• Do not fully rule out a tumor — some carcinoid tumors are non-secretory.
• May be due to incomplete collection, diet, or medications.
• Falsely low results can occur if preservative is missing or sample is warm.

Consequences if Untreated

• Progressive tumor growth and spread (especially to the liver)
• Severe diarrhea and malnutrition affecting quality of life
• Carcinoid heart disease — irreversible damage to heart valves
• Carcinoid crisis during surgery (life-threatening drop in BP)
• Reduced survival without early diagnosis and treatment

Factors Affecting Test Results

• Diet: Avoid serotonin-rich foods 48–72 hours before and during collection (e.g., bananas, pineapples, avocados, walnuts, tomatoes, eggplant)
• Medications: acetaminophen (paracetamol), cough syrups, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and certain bronchodilators can interfere.
• Incomplete collection: leads to falsely low results.
• Lack of preservative or improper storage: causes 5-HIAA degradation.
• Renal impairment: may reduce excretion and mask high levels.

FAQs

Limitations

• Requires **accurate 24-hour collection** — incomplete samples lead to false results.
• Diet and medications must be strictly controlled to avoid interference.
• Not all carcinoid tumors secrete serotonin — a normal result doesn’t rule out a tumor.
• Must be interpreted alongside imaging, chromogranin A, and clinical symptoms.
• Home collection requires refrigeration — warming can degrade 5-HIAA.

Book Your 5-HIAA (24-Hour Urine) Test Today

Suspect a carcinoid tumor? Get the answers you need with a trusted, lab-confirmed test.

• Home Collection Kit Included (Delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah)
• Accurate, Lab-Validated Results in 10 Days
• Price: AED 230
• ✅ CLIA-Certified Labs | Endocrinology & Oncology Testing
• 📦 Free Kit Delivery & Return
• 🔒 Secure Digital Reporting