Serotonin, Serum

Test Code

29851

CPT Codes
84260

Preferred Specimen

2 mL frozen serum

Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid foods high in indoles: avocado, banana, tomato, plum, walnut, pineapple, and eggplant. Patient should also avoid tobacco, tea, and coffee for 3 days before specimen collection.

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Spin and freeze serum below -20° C within 2 hours after collection.

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 42 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Received refrigerated • Received room temperature

Methodology
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 4-6 days

Reference Range

56-244 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

Serotonin concentrations are greatly increased in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid tumors are associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Types I and II. These tumors are associated with flushing, diarrhea, pain, and other symptoms.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.