Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube Type: 

24 hour urine collection jug

Collection Information: 

24-hour urine. 24-hour specimens should be refrigerated during collection. Random specimens can be analyzed, but reference ranges have not been established. Specimens collected between 22-26 hours will be accepted as 24 hour specimens. Anything less than 22 hours or greater than 26 hours will be ordered as a "Random" specimen and should include a Period and Volume measurement.

Transport Information: 

Entire Specimen

Minimum Sample Volume: 

A refrigerated urine cup with at least 20 ml should be sent if the whole jug is not sent.

Remarks: 

Patients should abstain, if possible, from foods, medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal remedies for at least 72 hours prior to the test. 24-hour collections are generally recommended, but random collections may also be used. Refrigeration is the most important aspect of specimen preservation. Foods and medications that are associated with altered Urinary HIAA results: Decreased Results: Aspirin, Chlorpromazine(Thorazine), Corticotropin, Dihydroxyphenylacetic, Ethanol, Gentisic acid, Homogentisic acid, Hydrazine derivatives, Imipramine(Tofranil), Isocarboxazid(Marplan), Keto acids, Levodopa, Mao inhibitors, Methenamine, Methyldopa (Aldochlor), Phenothiazines(Compazine), Perchlorperazine, Promazine, Promethazine. Increased Results : Acetaminophen, Acetanilid, Caffeine, Coumaric acid, Ephedrine, Fluoracil, Glycerol Guaiacolate (Guaifenesin), Melphalin (Alkeran), Mephenesin, Methamphetamine (Desoxyn), Methylcarbamol, Naproxen, Nicotine, Phenacetin, Phenmetrazine, Phenobarb, Pentolamine, Raulwolfia, Reserpine, Robaxin, Valium (Diazepam) Foods: Avocados, Bananas, Egg plant, Plums, Pineapple, Tomatoes and Walnuts