Serotonin, Blood

Serotonin, Whole Blood

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232209, Beaker: Serotonin B, Quest: 818

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• This assay is NOT a Serotonin Release Assay (used for the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).
• This collection requires the use of a Serotonin Kit (provided by Quest Diagnostics). Please contact the Send Outs Laboratory at 248-551-9045 prior to specimen collection.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Proper specimen collection, storage and shipment are critical for serotonin whole blood analysis. Strict adherence to the following specimen collection instructions will ensure the most meaningful results.

Collect: One EDTA 7.2-mg Vacutainer^® tube (from Serotonin Kit).

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

After drawing the blood, mix well and immediately transfer all blood to the enclosed container, which contains 35.0 mg of ascorbic acid. Mix well and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) immediately.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 4.0 mL whole blood in a Quest Ascorbic Acid tube, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Received room temperature.
• Received refrigerated.
• EDTA(lavender -top) collection without ascorbic acid.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain whole blood in a Quest Ascorbic Acid tube frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below).

Transport: 4.0 mL whole blood in a Quest Ascorbic Acid tube, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 1.0 mL) 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available in 3-5 days.

Reference Range

56-244 ng/mL

Test Methodology

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

CPT Codes

84260

Contacts

Last Updated

12/19/2025