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Serotonin, Serum

Test ID:

703117

CPT code:

84260

Synonyms:

5-HT, Serum

5-Hydroxytryptamine, Serum

Clinical Use:

Diagnose carcinoid syndrome

Test Information:

Serotonin is produced by cells of the APUD system, including the enterochromaffin (Kulchitsky) cells distributed through the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Most serotonin in blood is usually concentrated in platelets, which release it during blood coagulation. Serotonin may be measured to confirm the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome. The carcinoid syndrome is usually caused by primary carcinoids of the ileum, but the syndrome is occasionally caused by primary carcinoids of the stomach. Other organs give rise to carcinoids including pancreas, duodenum, bronchus, and ovary. Most patients with the carcinoid syndrome have hepatic metastases.

Specimen Type:

Serum, frozen

Requested Volume:

2 mL

Minimum Volume:

1 mL

Container Type:

Red-top tube

Patient Preparation:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs should be discontinued for at least one week prior to sampling since they tend to increase the level of serotonin.

Collection:

Separate serum from cells within 30 minutes of collection. Transfer to a plastic transport tube before freezing. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.