Serotonin Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Report, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Serotonin Test

The serotonin test is usually performed to measure the serotonin level in the blood. Your doctor may suggest the test when he suspects carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is a collective symptom that indicates tumors in the small intestine, colon, bronchial tubes in the lungs, and appendix. Individuals with high levels of carcinoid syndrome usually have too much serotonin in their blood. Some common symptoms of a carcinoid syndrome or tumor include severe skin flushing, severe diarrhea with cramping, and tiredness. 

The Serotonin test includes a blood drawing procedure from one of your arms. Instead of going to a local diagnostic lab, you can book a Serotonin blood test from Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs. Avail of our home blood sample collection facility. 

We value your time and money at Redcliffe Labs, ensuring professional blood drawing procedures, sample collection and analysis, and 100% report accuracy. So, why wait? Fix your appointment for a serotonin test with Redcliffe Labs, and rest is assured. 

Test Details:

What is the main purpose of the Serotonin Test?

Serotonin is a very complex condition; hence, no fixed criteria or clear tests exist. Its deficiency is presented through several physical and psychological symptoms. 

The purpose of the Serotonin test is to find out whether you have a carcinoid tumor. The test is beneficial in diagnosing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the test is also conducted to identify treatment, including the use of antidepressants. 

Symptoms of the carcinoid tumor include: 

• Flushed skin and neck: Serotonin produces facial flush. It also helps modulate respiration. Too much serotonin can intensify the itch sensation.
• Blood vessels on your cheeks: Flushed skin and neck may be accompanied by blood vessels on the skin. In this condition, serotonin contracts large blood cells and venules. 
• Fatigue: Serotonin directly affects sleep, which has been linked to fatigue. High serotonin levels can cause insomnia, make you feel lethargic, and reduce motivation. 
• Diarrhea: Too much serotonin is linked with mild to severe problems. Diarrhea and shivering indicate mild serotonin syndrome. However, muscle rigidity, seizures, and fever are symptoms of the severe serotonin syndrome and may cause death if not treated.

Other reasons why a doctor may suggest a serotonin test include the following: 

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): High serotonin is linked with traumatic stress. Excessive serotonin affects different parts of the brain. 
• Panic Disorders: Individuals with panic disorders look hypersensitive to the anxiogenic effect of the growing 5-HT function. 
• Depression and other mood problems: Experts say that low serotonin levels can cause depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Besides, a genetic effect may contribute to 5-HTT levels and activity.
• Suicidal Behavior: Abnormalities in serotonin can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or acts. 

No matter the reason, if your doctor has suggested a test based on your symptoms, book a serotonin test from Redcliffe Labs now and find out the exact situation. 

How is serotonin syndrome diagnosed?

There is no single test that confirms serotonin syndrome. Hence, a doctor will diagnose the condition in the following ways: 

• He will ask you about your symptoms. 
• Medical history
• Any injections you are taking.

A healthcare professional wants to be sure that the following symptoms are due to serotonin syndrome so that he may perform tests: 

• Measure the levels of drugs you are taking. 
• Detecting signs of infection. 
• Check for bodily functions that affect serotonin syndrome. 

How is serotonin syndrome treated?

The treatment of the serotonin syndrome depends on the seriousness of the symptoms: 

• If your serotonin syndrome symptoms are minor, the medical professional may ask you to stop the medicines causing the problem. 
• If your serotonin syndrome symptoms concern a doctor, he may ask you to get hospitalized until he is sure symptoms are improving.
• In cases of severe serotonin syndrome, intensive treatment is required in the hospital. 

Further, a doctor may provide the following treatments depending on your symptoms: 

• Muscle relaxants such as benzodiazepines or lorazepam help control seizures, agitation, and muscle stiffness. 
• Serotonin antagonists, such as the medicine cyproheptadine, block serotonin receptors and thus reduce the activity causing serotonin symptoms. 
• Oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids: Oxygen therapy helps maintain oxygen levels in the blood, and IV fluids help treat dehydration and fever. 
• Use of drugs to control blood pressure and high heart rate: Drugs such as esmolol or nitroprusside help reduce high blood pressure and heart rate. 
• A breathing tube, machine, and medication. This treatment is implemented if a patient suffers from a high fever. 

What does the serotonin test measure?

The serotonin test measures the levels of serotonin in the blood. A healthcare provider may order the test to diagnose carcinoid tumors. A healthcare provider may order other tests along with or following, a 24-hour urine 5-HIAA test. These include: 

• Blood and urine test
• Chest X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) 

Serotonin is a chemical produced as required by the brain, special cells in the lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. A doctor will likely take an individual's symptoms into consideration, perform other tests, and initiate the treatment of the condition they diagnose. 

What is the procedure for the serotonin test?

In a serotonin test, a blood sample of the patient is required. It involves the following steps: 

• Once the test is booked with us, our phlebotomist will come to your place at a given time with a home blood sample collection kit. He is professional and well-trained, which ensures pain-free blood drawing procedures. 
• The expert will tie a tourniquet around the arm, clean the site with a disinfectant, and inject the needle to draw the blood. 
• He will attach a vial to the needle to collect a blood sample. 
• After collecting the blood, he will remove the tourniquet and apply the bandage around the puncture site to prevent a bruise or infection. 
• Lastly, he will label the vial and send it to a dedicated lab for analysis, and reports will be available within two weeks. 

Are there any risks associated with the serotonin test?

Like other blood tests, a serotonin blood test may involve risks like bleeding, bruising, infection, or feeling lightheaded. Inserting a needle may cause slight pain to some patients, while others may feel prickly or stingy. 

Consult with your doctor if the symptoms do not vanish or fade away. 

How can you prepare for a serotonin blood test?

There are no hard and fast rules for preparing for a serotonin test. Remembering these points will help you get more accurate reports, which will further help your doctor start with appropriate treatment. 

• No fasting: No fasting is required for a serotonin serum test. It only means that you can eat your usual food and drink water. Avoid consumption of alcohol to affect your serotonin test results. 
• No use of over-the-counter medicines: Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid over-the-counter medications. He may also suggest avoiding your regular prescription medicines. The ingredients of the medicines may raise your blood sugar levels or interfere with laboratory tests and change your results.
• Take proper rest: It is important to have a well-rested body before a blood test. Any hormonal imbalance due to strenuous exercise or lack of sleep could change your results. 

Clearing your doubts with your healthcare provider one or two days before the test is imperative to improve the accuracy of test results.

What do the serotonin test reports indicate?

The serotonin test reports indicate high or low serotonin levels. The normal range for serotonin is between 50 to 200 ng/mL. 

• If your reports suggest higher levels of serotonin, it may point to carcinoid syndrome, and their serotonin levels range somewhere from 71 to 310 ng/mL. 
• Low levels of serotonin may indicate a low mood (depression). It can also improve your sleep cycle, sex drive, mood, and blood clotting. 

Note: Serotonin test results vary depending on the lab in which the sample is analyzed. 

What if your serotonin test report is positive?

A positive serotonin test report may be significantly due to an increase in the level of serotonin with carcinogenic effects suggesting a carcinoid tumor. It may be due: 

• Some medications, including antidepressant medicines and illicit drugs, are taken in excess. 

• Stopped drinking too quickly. 
• Serious reactions to certain medications. 

Who should take the serotonin test?

A serotonin test is for those individuals with carcinoid symptoms suggesting a carcinoid tumor. Besides, the test is also crucial to check for the efficacy of treatment in people who have already been diagnosed with carcinoid tumors. 

A person with normal serotonin levels feels more focused, happier, and emotionally balanced. On the other hand, a person with severe serotonin syndrome may have insomnia, agitation, high blood pressure, and dilated pupils, among others. 

Book A Serotonin Test at Redcliffe Labs for INR 3200

If suggested, book a serotonin test in Delhi or anywhere in India at the best price from Redcliffe Labs. The Serotonin test price in Delhi is INR 3200. Be the first among your friends to have access to our home blood sample collection convenience. Express slots are also available to book a serotonin blood test appointment. Get your sample collected at home within 45 minutes. 

We aim to provide quality healthcare services at the best prices. In addition to routine tests, you can book specialized tests related to cancer, pregnancy, and genetics with us. You will receive accurate test reports within a given time. 

Serotonin, Serum Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Serotonin, Serum Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Conclusion: 

Serotonin carries messages between neurons and throughout the body. It helps regulate many body functions, including sleep, mood, sex desire, and bowel movements. A serotonin test is performed to diagnose carcinoid tumors; however, an elevated serotonin level with symptoms suggestive of carcinoid syndrome doesn’t confirm carcinoid tumors. A healthcare provider may suggest additional tests to rule out the cause of your symptoms. Early detection is beneficial as it can reduce mortality from disease healthcare costs and improve patient's quality of life.