Laboratory Medicine Program

Serotonin, serum

Clinical Decription:
Serotonin is an intermediate product of tryptophan metabolism and is located primarily in the enterochromaffin cells of intestine, serotonergic neurons of the brain, platelets of the blood and is well established in the central nervous system. Central serotonergic neurons have been associated with physiological functions such as sleep, endocrine regulation, and cardiovascular control. Nearly all of the serotonin in circulating blood is concentrated in platelets. Altered concentrations of circulating serotonin have been implicated in chronic tension headache, schizophrenia, hypertension, Huntington's disease, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and early acute appendicitis. The determination of serum serotonin levels is of high clinical significance for diagnostic assessment of carcinoid syndrome.
<br/><em>Cheauveau J, et al. Clin Chem, 1991;24:1178 HICL</em>

Method: ELISA

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
Reference ranges for this test are not available online. However, they are included in all test results. For more information, please call us.

Specimen Type: serum
Volume: 3 mL mL (minimum: 1 mL mL)

Shipping: Frozen at -20C

Special Instructions: n/a

Testing Schedule(s): Please call

Turnaround Time: 20 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227