24 Hour Urine 5-Hiaa

You should get a 24-hour urine 5-HIAA test if you have symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, such as episodes of facial flushing, chronic watery diarrhea, wheezing, abdominal cramps, or a fast heartbeat. It is also recommended when scans show a suspected neuroendocrine tumor or liver lesions, and for monitoring carcinoid tumor treatment and recurrence.

For a 24-hour urine 5-HIAA test, avoid bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, tomatoes, avocado, eggplant, and walnuts for 72 hours before and during collection, as they raise 5-HIAA. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Inform your doctor about paracetamol, cough syrups, or antidepressants. Collect all urine for 24 hours in the provided container, keeping it refrigerated.

No, fasting is not required for a 24-hour urine 5-HIAA test. However, you must avoid serotonin-rich foods such as bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, tomatoes, avocado, eggplant, and walnuts for 72 hours before and during the collection, as they can falsely raise results. Avoid alcohol and smoking as well.