Determination of a reference range for whole blood serotonin in a pediatric population using high pressure liquid...

Whole blood serotonin (5HT) concentrations were measured in a group of children and adolescents to determine a reference range for this population. Blood was collected after at least a 6-hour fast, mixed with ascorbic acid and EDTA, and frozen at -70 degrees C until analysis. 5HT was determined by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Matrix-matched whole blood standards and controls were used to determine 5HT concentrations, and monitor performance of the assay. 5HT concentrations in boys ranged from 0.53 to 3.13 mumol/L (mean = 1.27, SD = 0.47) while the range for girls was 0.63 to 2.46 mumol/L (mean = 1.21, SD = 0.47). There was no significant difference in 5HT concentrations between boys and girls, nor was there any significant change in 5HT concentration with age. The nonparametric central 95 percent reference range for boys and girls was determined to be 0.64-2.45 mumol/L.