Serotonin, Whole Blood

5-Hydroxytryptamine

10 days

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

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Used in diagnosing carcinoid tumors and serotonin-producing tumors.

Whole Blood

10 mL EDTA/ascorbic acid mixture

Lavender-top (EDTA) tube and transport tube (LabCorp N° 33314) containing 75 mg ascorbic acid

No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Sample collection practices that prevent blood clotting and oxidation of serotonin are imperative. Collect three tubes (4 mL each) whole blood. Invert tubes at least ten times to ensure thorough distribution of EDTA. Immediately transfer 10 mL whole blood to transport tube containing 75 mg ascorbic acid. Thoroughly mix by inverting whole blood/ascorbic acid mixture another ten times. Freeze transport tube and send entire collection to the laboratory. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.