5-HYDROXY INDOLE ACETIC ACID Test in UAE
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) Test in Dubai and across the UAE to evaluate serotonin metabolism and detect neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including carcinoid tumors. This specialized urine test measures the breakdown product of serotonin, helping identify hormone-producing tumors that may not show symptoms until advanced. Results available within 7–10 days.
Overview
The 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) Test measures the amount of 5-HIAA — the primary metabolite of serotonin — excreted in a 24-hour urine sample. Serotonin is a hormone often overproduced by neuroendocrine tumors, particularly carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. Elevated 5-HIAA levels are a key diagnostic marker for these slow-growing but potentially serious tumors. This test is considered the **gold standard** for diagnosing carcinoid syndrome. Results are typically available within 7–10 business days.
Why You Need This Test
- Diagnose carcinoid tumors and confirm carcinoid syndrome.
- Evaluate unexplained flushing, diarrhea, or wheezing — hallmark symptoms of serotonin excess.
- Monitor disease progression or treatment response in known neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients.
- Follow-up abnormal imaging findings (e.g., liver lesions or intestinal masses).
- Assess patients with a history of gastrointestinal or lung tumors.
- Part of a comprehensive hormonal tumor workup.
- Available with home urine collection kit delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
Symptoms & Risk Factors
Common Symptoms
- Facial flushing (sudden redness and warmth, especially after eating or drinking alcohol)
- Chronic diarrhea without clear cause
- Wheezing or shortness of breath (similar to asthma)
- Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Low blood pressure or dizziness
Risk Factors
- History of gastrointestinal tumors (especially appendix, small intestine, or rectum)
- Lung carcinoid tumors detected on CT or PET scan
- Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or other genetic syndromes
- Liver metastases from unknown primary tumor
- Chronic unexplained GI symptoms lasting months or years
- Previous surgery for neuroendocrine tumors
How the Test Works
Serotonin produced by carcinoid tumors is broken down into 5-HIAA, which is then excreted in urine. The 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA test provides a reliable measure of total daily serotonin production.
- Step 1 — Kit delivery: receive a preservative-containing urine container and detailed instructions at your home.
- 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 — Preservative: the container contains acid preservative — handle with care and avoid skin contact.
- Step 4 — Storage: keep the container refrigerated (2–8°C) throughout the collection period.
- Step 5 — Return: return the sample to the lab via courier or drop-off.
- Step 6 — Results: securely delivered within 7–10 business days.
This test is essential for diagnosing carcinoid tumors and guiding treatment decisions.
Sample Type
- We take: A complete 24-hour urine collection
- Minimum volume: 20 mL (but full 24-hour collection is required)
- Container: provided plastic jug with preservative (usually hydrochloric acid)
- How it’s collected: collect all urine passed over 24 hours in one preservative-filled container
- Storage: must be kept refrigerated (2–8°C) during collection
- Note: improper handling or incomplete collection may invalidate results
Risks & Safety
- No physical risks — non-invasive urine collection.
- Preservative caution: the container contains acid — avoid contact with skin or eyes.
- Minimal inconvenience due to 24-hour collection process.
- Safe for adults and older children under supervision.
Result Interpretation
Normal Range
- Normal: Less than 5 mg/24hr (values may vary slightly by lab)
- Low or normal levels suggest no significant serotonin-producing tumor activity
Elevated Levels
- May indicate:
- Carcinoid tumor (especially midgut: small intestine, appendix, colon)
- Carcinoid syndrome (with liver metastases)
- Pulmonary carcinoid tumor
- Ovarian or testicular teratoma with carcinoid features
Borderline or Fluctuating Levels
- May require repeat testing or additional imaging (e.g., Octreoscan, Ga-68 PET/CT)
- Some tumors are intermittent serotonin producers
Consequences if Untreated
- Progressive tumor growth and spread to liver or other organs.
- Carcinoid heart disease — damage to heart valves due to excess serotonin.
- Severe diarrhea and malnutrition affecting quality of life.
- Carcinoid crisis — a life-threatening reaction during surgery or stress.
- Liver failure in cases of extensive metastases.
Factors Affecting Test Results
- Foods: avoid serotonin-rich foods 72 hours before and during collection (bananas, pineapples, avocados, tomatoes, walnuts, eggplant).
- Medications: acetaminophen (paracetamol), cough syrups, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and certain antihypertensives can interfere.
- Supplements: tryptophan, melatonin, St. John’s Wort.
- Incomplete collection: leads to falsely low results.
- Renal impairment: may reduce excretion and affect levels.
- Stress or acute illness: can temporarily influence hormone metabolism.
FAQs
What is the 5-HIAA test used for?
It helps diagnose carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome by measuring serotonin breakdown in urine over 24 hours.
How do I collect the sample at home?
You’ll receive a special container with preservative. Discard your first urine, then collect every drop for 24 hours, ending with the first void the next morning.
Do I need to fast?
No fasting required, but you must avoid certain foods and medications for 3 days before and during collection.
Which foods should I avoid?
Avoid bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, avocados, eggplant, and walnuts for 72 hours before and during the test.
How long for results?
Results are typically available within 7–10 days after the lab receives your sample.
What is the price of the test?
The 5-HIAA Test costs AED 450 in the UAE, including home collection kit, preservative container, and free delivery.
Can medications affect the test?
Yes — many drugs interfere with 5-HIAA. Inform your doctor about all medications, especially acetaminophen, antidepressants, and cough medicines.
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 produce serotonin — some may not elevate 5-HIAA.
- Must be interpreted alongside chromogranin A, imaging, and clinical symptoms.
- Preservative in the container requires careful handling and refrigeration.
Book Your 5-HIAA Test Today
Unexplained flushing or diarrhea? Rule out carcinoid tumors with a trusted, lab-certified 5-HIAA test.
- Home Collection Kit Included (Delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah)
- Detailed Collection Guide & Preservative Container Provided
- Fast, Accurate, Confidential Results in 7–10 Days
- Price: AED 450
- ✅ Certified Labs | Endocrinology & Oncology-Grade Testing
- 📦 Free Kit Delivery & Return
- 🔒 Secure Online Reporting
Quick Summary
5-HYDROXY INDOLE ACETIC ACID Test in UAE Price AED 450, Sample 24HRS URINE TO BE STRICTLY COLLECTED IN 15ML OF 6N HCL. * WHILE COLLECTING 24HRS URINE SPECIMEN, THE CONTAINER SHOULD BE KEPT IN DARK THROUGHOUT THE COLLECTION. TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO LIGHT, THE 20ML ALIQUOT FROM THE COLLECTED 24HRS URINE SAMPLE HAS TO BE WRAPPED IN ALUMINUM FOIL.DO NOT CONSUME AVOCADOS, BANANAS,COFFEE, PLUMS, PINEAPPLE, TOMATOES, WALNUTS AS WELL AS SOME MEDICATIONS(e.g. ASPIRIN, CORTICOTROPIN, MAO INHIBITORS, PHENAZETIN, CATECHOLAMINES, RESERPIN, NICOTIN) 48HRS PRIOR TO THE COLLECTION OF THE SPECIMEN.MENTION CLINICAL DETAILS(PATIENT CLINICAL HISTORY, CT SCAN,USG & MEDICATION OF THE PATIENT ON THE REQ FORM.., Results in 7 - 10 Days. Fasting. Home collection available.
Test Overview
Result Time
7 - 10 Days
Sample Type
24HRS URINE TO BE STRICTLY COLLECTED IN 15ML OF 6N HCL. * WHILE COLLECTING 24HRS URINE SPECIMEN, THE CONTAINER SHOULD BE KEPT IN DARK THROUGHOUT THE COLLECTION. TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO LIGHT, THE 20ML ALIQUOT FROM THE COLLECTED 24HRS URINE SAMPLE HAS TO BE WRAPPED IN ALUMINUM FOIL.DO NOT CONSUME AVOCADOS, BANANAS,COFFEE, PLUMS, PINEAPPLE, TOMATOES, WALNUTS AS WELL AS SOME MEDICATIONS(e.g. ASPIRIN, CORTICOTROPIN, MAO INHIBITORS, PHENAZETIN, CATECHOLAMINES, RESERPIN, NICOTIN) 48HRS PRIOR TO THE COLLECTION OF THE SPECIMEN.MENTION CLINICAL DETAILS(PATIENT CLINICAL HISTORY, CT SCAN,USG & MEDICATION OF THE PATIENT ON THE REQ FORM..
Category
Hormone Marker
How to Prepare
Preparation Instructions
- No fasting required, but strict dietary restrictions apply.
- Avoid the following 72 hours before and during collection: bananas, pineapples, avocados, tomatoes, eggplant, plums, walnuts, kiwi, and hickory nuts.
- Stop certain medications as advised by your doctor (e.g., acetaminophen, cough syrups, antidepressants).
- Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.
- Start collection correctly: discard your first morning urine, then collect all urine for the next 24 hours.
- Keep the container refrigerated at all times (2–8°C).
- Do not touch the preservative — wear gloves if handling.
- Label and return the sample promptly after completion.
Why You Need This Test
About 5-HIAA and Carcinoid Tumors
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) is the main breakdown product of serotonin, a hormone produced in the gut and brain. Certain tumors — especially carcinoid tumors — release excess serotonin, which the body converts to 5-HIAA and excretes in urine. Measuring 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA is the **most reliable non-invasive method** to detect these tumors. Early diagnosis can lead to curative surgery or effective medical management, preventing complications like heart damage or liver metastases.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- • Price AED 450
- • Sample 24HRS URINE TO BE STRICTLY COLLECTED IN 15ML OF 6N HCL. * WHILE COLLECTING 24HRS URINE SPECIMEN, THE CONTAINER SHOULD BE KEPT IN DARK THROUGHOUT THE COLLECTION. TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO LIGHT, THE 20ML ALIQUOT FROM THE COLLECTED 24HRS URINE SAMPLE HAS TO BE WRAPPED IN ALUMINUM FOIL.DO NOT CONSUME AVOCADOS, BANANAS,COFFEE, PLUMS, PINEAPPLE, TOMATOES, WALNUTS AS WELL AS SOME MEDICATIONS(e.g. ASPIRIN, CORTICOTROPIN, MAO INHIBITORS, PHENAZETIN, CATECHOLAMINES, RESERPIN, NICOTIN) 48HRS PRIOR TO THE COLLECTION OF THE SPECIMEN.MENTION CLINICAL DETAILS(PATIENT CLINICAL HISTORY, CT SCAN,USG & MEDICATION OF THE PATIENT ON THE REQ FORM..
- • Results in 7 - 10 Days
- • Fasting Required
What It Measures
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) Test in Dubai and across the UAE to evaluate serotonin metabolism and detect neuroen...
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the 5-HYDROXY INDOLE ACETIC ACID Test in UAE?
Our lab tests are processed in certified laboratories with quality assurance protocols, ensuring high accuracy and reliable results for clinical decision making.
How should I prepare for this test?
Preparation Instructions No fasting required, but strict dietary restrictions apply. Avoid the following 72 hours before and during collection: bananas, pineapples, avocados, tomatoes, eggplant, ...
When will I get my results?
Results are typically available within 7 - 10 Days and will be delivered digitally to your registered email address with detailed explanations.
Is home collection available for this test?
Yes, we offer convenient home collection services across UAE. Our trained phlebotomists will collect your sample at your preferred time and location.
Can I book this test online?
Absolutely! You can book the 5-HYDROXY INDOLE ACETIC ACID Test in UAE online through our platform. Choose your preferred date, time, and location for sample collection.
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