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Test Code SER Serotonin, Serum

Reporting Name

Serotonin, S

Useful For

In conjunction with, or as an alternative to, first-order tests in the differential diagnosis of isolated symptoms suggestive of carcinoid syndrome, in particular flushing (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid or serum chromogranin A measurements are first-line tests)

 

Second-order test in the follow-up of patients with known or treated carcinoid tumors

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Additional Testing Requirements


First-line testing for the diagnosis of carcinoid tumors with symptoms suggestive of carcinoid syndrome consists of urinary 5-HIAA (HIAA / 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid, 24 Hour, Urine), and serum chromogranin A (CGAK / Chromogranin A, Serum). Serotonin in whole blood (SERWB / Serotonin, Blood), serum (SER / Serotonin, Serum), and urine (SERU / Serotonin, 24 Hour, Urine) are useful in conjunction with these first-line tests.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Patient should not take medications that may elevate serotonin levels, including lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, methyldopa, morphine, and reserpine, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, eg, PROZAC) which can lead to depletion of platelet serotonin levels and result in false-negative serotonin results for a minimum of 72 hours before specimen collection. Some drugs with longer half-lives (i.e. fluoxetine) can require months after discontinuation for serotonin levels to return to baseline.

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge as soon as blood has clotted and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

1.1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 21 days
  Frozen  90 days
  Ambient  4 days

Reference Values

≤230 ng/mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

84260

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
SER Serotonin, S 27057-9

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
84395 Serotonin, S 27057-9

Report Available

5 to 8 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

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

Secondary ID

84395