Additional Info:
Test includes epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, calculated total (E+N) and creatinine.
Useful For:
The three catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) are the principal secretory products of neural tissue. Clinically, the measurement of circulating catecholamines is valuable in the diagnosis of catecholamine secreting tumors associated chiefly with hypertension (pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, and gangliomas) and with the evaluation of orthostatic hypotension.
Methodology: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Specimen Requirements: Submit an entire 24-hour urine collection in a urine container supplied by Meadville Medical Center Laboratory. Add 25 mL 6N HCL or 25 mL 50% Acetic Acid as preservative at start of collection. This preservative is intended to achieve a pH below 3. Urine without preservative is acceptable if pH is below 6 and the sample is shipped frozen. Refrigerate specimen during and after collection.
See “Urine Collection” located in “Specimen Collection & Preparation” section for timed collection instructions. Also refer to “Patient Information” section in back of manual for patient handout explaining collection information for this test.
NOTE:
It is preferable for the patient to be off medications for 3 days prior to collection. However, common antihypertensives (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta blockers) cause minimal or no interference.
Patients should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Analytical Time:
4 days
Days Set Up: Monday through Friday
CPT Information:
82384 – catecholamine
82570 – creatinine