Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in urine, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the presence of indole-3-acetic acid, a compound derived from tryptophan metabolism, in your urine. It may be used to assess certain metabolic or gastrointestinal conditions.
["This test helps evaluate gut health and metabolic processes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78843-0
- Short code
- JWH-200 4OH-indole Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- JWH-200 4OH-indole Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if they suspect conditions related to abnormal tryptophan metabolism, such as certain gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndromes, or as part of broader metabolic screening. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical studies.
What Does the Test Involve?
You will collect a urine sample, typically over a 24-hour period, depending on the clinical indication. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure the concentration of indole-3-acetic acid.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not typically provided as a single reference range since indole-3-acetic acid levels can vary widely based on diet, health status, and other factors. Elevated levels may suggest certain gastrointestinal or metabolic conditions, while normal levels do not definitively rule out underlying issues. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Common Conditions Monitored
While not a standard diagnostic test, elevated indole-3-acetic acid levels in urine may be associated with conditions like certain gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic imbalances, or as part of broader metabolic studies. It is not routinely used for general health screening.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated levels of indole-3-acetic acid in urine may indicate abnormal tryptophan metabolism, which can be linked to gastrointestinal issues or metabolic disorders. However, this test is not commonly used in routine clinical practice and may be part of specialized investigations.
Short name
Urine Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How is this test different from other urine tests?
Can diet affect this test result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy