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Serotonin Unit Converter
Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter and hormone primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and central nervous system. It plays key roles in mood, digestion, and vasoconstriction.
Clinically, serum or whole blood serotonin levels are measured to diagnose **Carcinoid Syndrome** and other neuroendocrine tumors. This converter facilitates switching between the standard mass units (ng/mL, μg/L) and SI molar units (nmol/L).
Mass Units
StandardNanograms per milliliter (Numerically equivalent to μg/L).
SI / Molar Units
Clinical Context
Reference Values:
• Whole Blood: 101 – 283 ng/mL (573 – 1606 nmol/L).
• Serum: 50 – 175 ng/mL (lower because platelets are removed).
Note: Most serotonin in blood is stored in platelets. Therefore, whole blood levels are significantly higher than plasma or serum levels. Ensure you are using the correct reference range for your sample type.
Conversion Logic:
Molecular Weight of Serotonin: ~176.22 g/mol.
1 ng/mL ≈ 5.675 nmol/L.
1 nmol/L ≈ 0.1762 ng/mL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize Serotonin values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., ng/mL).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator converts between mass units and the SI molar unit (nmol/L).
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 5-HIAA is the breakdown product (metabolite) of serotonin, typically measured in urine. Serotonin is measured in blood.
Because nearly all circulating serotonin is stored inside platelets. Measuring serum or plasma might miss the total load if clotting hasn’t fully released it or if platelets were spun down too quickly.