Serotonin, Serum

Test Code

SEROS

Quest Code

29851

Alias/See Also

29851
5-Hydroxytryptamine

CPT Codes
84260

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum

Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid food 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 Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 42 days

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-Sat; Report Available: 3-5 days

Report Available

Maximum Laboratory Turn Around Time 7 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.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690-6130

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.