5-HIAA (CSF) unit converter
Main serotonin metabolite in CSF (neurotransmitter disorders)
Also known as: 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid CSF, CSF 5-HIAA, 5-HIES im Liquor, Hydroxyindolessigsäure Liquor
Converter
Enter a value in any unit and all other units fill in.
Worked example
109 nmol/L (middle of the reference range) = 20.8 ng/mL
Conversion formulas
| ng/mL | ng/mL = nmol/L × 0.1912 | nmol/L = ng/mL × 5.231 |
|---|---|---|
| µmol/L | µmol/L = nmol/L × 0.001 | nmol/L = µmol/L × 1000 |
| µg/dL | µg/dL = nmol/L × 0.01912 | nmol/L = µg/dL × 52.31 |
| ng/dL | ng/dL = nmol/L × 19.12 | nmol/L = ng/dL × 0.05231 |
Good to know
5-HIAA is the main serotonin breakdown product in cerebrospinal fluid. It is reported in nmol/L or in ng/mL.
- ng/mL × 5.23 = nmol/L (exact factor 5.231).
- The range depends strongly on age and on the laboratory, so it applies to adults only. The first 0.5 mL of the spinal tap should be frozen immediately; blood in the sample lowers HVA and 5-HIAA.
Reference range
| Unit | Adults |
|---|---|
| ng/mL | 10.51 – 31.16 |
| nmol/L | 55 – 163 |
| µmol/L | 0.055 – 0.163 |
| µg/dL | 1.052 – 3.116 |
| ng/dL | 1051 – 3116 |
Source: Burlina et al. (2017): The utility of CSF for the diagnosis of primary and secondary monoamine neurotransmitter deficiencies, EJIFCC 28:64-75 (PMC) · Last reviewed: 2026-10-19
Note from the source: Adults above 16 years 55-163 nmol/L (100 individuals, one laboratory). Strongly age-dependent: 382-949 nmol/L in the first month, 68-187 at 11-16 years. Another laboratory quotes 45-135 nmol/L for adults. 1 ng/mL = 5.23 nmol/L