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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (typically urine) to determine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the most significant metabolite of the hormone serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5HT). High levels of 5-HIAA are found in the urine from the secretion of carcinoid tumors, which vary according to the tissue of the tumor. The highest levels occur in tumors from mid-gut cells (e.g., ileal carcinoid tumors); high levels of 5-HIAA are also detected in the urine from bronchial, pancreatic, duodenal, and biliary cancers. For specific measurement of very small quantities, liquid chromatography methods are preferred.
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