5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid) ELISA

5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid) is the major urinary metabolite of serotonin, an ubiquitous bioactive amine. Serotonin, and consequently 5-HIAA, are produced in excess by most carcinoid tumors, especially those producing the carcinoid syndrome. Quantification of urinary 5-HIAA is therefore intended to test for carcinoid.
Low levels of 5-HIAA in the cerebrospinal fluid have been associated with aggressive behavior and suicide by violent means, correlating with diminished serotonin levels.
Elevated serotonin levels is one of the most common biological findings in autism and 5-HIAA may be elevated in patients with autistic spectrum disorders.