Serotonin
Alternative names:
5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-OH tryptamine
What the risks are:
- excessive bleeding
- fainting or feeling lightheaded
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
Drugs that can interfere with serotonin measurements include glyceryl guaiacolate, Mandelamine, and phenothiazines.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
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