Catecholamines Fractionated by LC-MS/MS, Urine Free
Also known as: CATE UF
Use
This test evaluates clinical symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion by measuring urine levels of catecholamines, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is used to aid in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors such as pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Significant elevation of one or more catecholamines is associated with an increased probability of a neuroendocrine tumor.
Special Instructions
Drugs and medications may affect results and should be discontinued for at least 72 hours prior to specimen collection, if possible. Refrigerate the 24-hour urine specimen during collection and maintain a pH of 2.0-4.0 for stability using 6M HCl or sulfamic acid.
Limitations
This test is not recommended for the primary evaluation of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma; other tests such as Metanephrines, Plasma (Free) or Metanephrines Fractionated by HPLC-MS/MS, Urine are preferred. Small increases in catecholamine concentrations can result from physiological stimuli, drugs, or improper specimen collection. Interfering substances include several medications including amphetamines and tricyclic antidepressants, making interpretation challenging in patients on these therapies.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 35674-1
- 2162-6
- 49256-1
- 2218-6
- 2668-2
- 2232-7
- 11046-0
- 2667-4
- 2217-8
- 13782-8
- 13733-1
- 13734-9
- 19153-6
- 30211-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect 24-hour or random urine. Thoroughly mix entire collection in one container. Transfer a 4 mL aliquot to an ARUP standard transport tube. Adjust pH to 2.0-4.0 with 6M HCl or use sulfamic acid.
Patient Preparation
Discontinue drugs/medications for at least 72 hours prior to collection if possible.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate during collection and before transport. Maintain pH between 2-4.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens preserved with boric acid or acetic acid, or pH greater than 7.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 1 week (unpreserved), 1 month (preserved) |
| Frozen | 6 months |