5 Hydroxy Indole Acetic acid, Urine 24 hour Test in UAE

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA), 24-Hour Urine Test in Dubai and across the UAE to detect neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid tumors. This specialized test measures the breakdown product of serotonin and helps identify hormone-secreting tumors that may be missed by imaging alone. Results available within 5–7 days.

Overview

The 24-Hour Urinary 5-HIAA test measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid — the primary metabolite of serotonin — excreted in urine over a full day. Elevated levels are strongly associated with carcinoid tumors, a type of slow-growing neuroendocrine tumor commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. Because these tumors often release serotonin intermittently, a 24-hour collection provides a more accurate assessment than a single spot urine test. Results are typically available within 5–7 business days.

Why You Need This Test

• Diagnose carcinoid syndrome — characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and heart complications.
• Investigate suspected neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gut, pancreas, or lungs.
• Evaluate unexplained chronic diarrhea or abdominal pain.
• Monitor patients with a known carcinoid tumor during or after treatment.
• Assess for tumor recurrence or progression.
• Support diagnosis when imaging results are inconclusive.
• Available with home urine collection kit delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Common Symptoms

• Flushing of the face and neck (sudden redness and warmth)
• Chronic diarrhea or irritable bowel-like symptoms
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
• Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms
• Heart valve damage (late-stage carcinoid syndrome)

Risk Factors

• History of neuroendocrine tumors or carcinoid tumors
• Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
• Previous appendectomy or gastrointestinal surgery
• Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms without clear cause
• Incidental finding of a mass on CT, MRI, or endoscopy
• Positive chromogranin A or imaging suggestive of NETs

How the Test Works

Serotonin is produced in excess by certain neuroendocrine tumors, especially carcinoid tumors, and is broken down in the liver to 5-HIAA, which is then excreted in urine. The 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA test captures total daily excretion, improving detection accuracy.

• Step 1 — Kit delivery: receive a preservative-containing urine container 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 — Preservative use: the container contains a chemical preservative — do not rinse it out.
• Step 4 — Storage: keep the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) throughout the collection period.
• Step 5 — Return: return the sample to the lab or schedule a pickup.
• Step 6 — Results: securely delivered within 5–7 business days.

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

Sample Type

• We take: Complete 24-hour urine collection
• Container: provided plastic jug with preservative (do not empty)
• Minimum volume: 20 mL (but full 24-hour collection required)
• How it’s collected: collect all urine passed over 24 hours in one container
• Storage: must be refrigerated (2–8°C) during collection
• Note: samples without preservative or left at room temperature may degrade and be rejected

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.
• Preservative-safe: handle with care; avoid contact with skin or eyes.

Result Interpretation

Normal Range

• Normal: Less than 6 mg/24hr (lab-dependent; up to 8 mg/24hr may be acceptable)
• Values vary slightly between laboratories due to methodology

Elevated Levels

• May indicate:
  • Carcinoid tumor (especially midgut origin)
  • Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with serotonin production
  • Carcinoid syndrome (with liver metastases)

Borderline or Mildly Elevated

• May require repeat testing or further evaluation with imaging or chromogranin A.
• Can occur due to dietary interference or incomplete diagnosis.

Consequences if Untreated

• Progressive tumor growth and potential spread to liver or other organs.
• Severe diarrhea and malnutrition affecting quality of life.
• Carcinoid heart disease — irreversible damage to heart valves.
• Carcinoid crisis — a life-threatening reaction during surgery or anesthesia.
• Liver metastases in advanced cases.

Factors Affecting Test Results

• Diet: avoid serotonin-rich foods 72 hours before and during collection (e.g., bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, walnuts, kiwi, eggplant, avocados).
• Medications: certain drugs can interfere (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, cough syrups with guaifenesin, muscle relaxants, antidepressants).
• Incomplete collection: falsely low results.
• Sample degradation: failure to refrigerate or use preservative leads to inaccurate results.
• Renal impairment: may reduce excretion and mask true levels.
• Stress or illness: may temporarily influence hormone metabolism.

FAQs

Limitations

• Requires **accurate 24-hour collection** — incomplete samples lead to false results.
• Highly sensitive to **diet and medications** — strict preparation is essential.
• Not all neuroendocrine tumors produce serotonin — a normal result doesn’t rule out NETs.
• Must be interpreted alongside chromogranin A, imaging, and clinical symptoms.
• Preservative in the container requires careful handling and refrigeration.

Book Your 5-HIAA, 24-Hour Urine Test Today

Suspect a neuroendocrine tumor? Get the answers you need with a reliable, lab-certified 5-HIAA test.

• Home Collection Kit Included (Delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah)
• Detailed Collection Guide & Dietary Instructions Provided
• Fast, Accurate, Confidential Results in 5–7 Days
• Price: AED 400
• ✅ Accredited Labs | Endocrinology & Oncology-Grade Testing
• 📦 Free Kit Delivery & Return
• 🔒 Secure Online Reporting