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Test for Serotonin

A serum serotonin test is a blood test that measures the patient's levels of serotonin. Serotonin is an important chemical that is created by nerve cells in the body.

  1. Normal Levels

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, patients with normal serum serotonin test results will have between 101 and 283 nanograms of serotonin per milliliter of blood serum.

    High Levels

    • Blood levels of serotonin can be higher than normal in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Individuals who undergo this medical test should discuss the results with a doctor.

    Test

    • To test serotonin levels, a heath care professional uses a needle to draw blood from a vein in a patient’s hand or the inside of an elbow. A blood sample is collected in a tube or vial and the sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

    Test Risks

    • Individuals may feel lightheaded, may faint or may have experience heavy bleeding when they have blood drawn for a serum serotonin test.

    After Test Risks

    • Blood may accumulate under a patient’s skin or the wound from a blood draw may become infected.

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