Catecholamines Fractionated, Plasma
Also known as: CATE PF
Use
This test is not recommended for the evaluation of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. It is used to evaluate clinical symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, which might occur in various conditions. For the assessment of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, alternative tests such as Metanephrines, Plasma (Free) or Metanephrines Fractionated by HPLC-MS/MS, Urine are more appropriate.
Special Instructions
Patient should be calm and seated for 15 minutes before collection, or alternately, calm and supine for 30 minutes before collection. Discontinuation of drugs and medications for 72 hours prior to specimen collection is recommended if possible, as they may affect results.
Limitations
Small increases in catecholamines can arise from physiological stimuli, drugs, or improper specimen collection. Significant increases may indicate a neuroendocrine tumor. Lower catecholamine concentrations are typically observed in specimens collected from supine adults. Drugs can interfere with catecholamines and metabolites, and their effects are unpredictable. Reference intervals vary and should be accessed in the ARUP Laboratory Test Directory for complete age- and gender-specific details.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 49257-9
- 14703-3
- 14711-6
- 14852-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1.1 mL
Container
Green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA). Collect on ice.
Collection Instructions
Specimen should be centrifuged and frozen within one hour. Refrigerated centrifuge preferred but not required.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be calm and seated for 15 minutes or calm and supine for 30 minutes before collection. Discontinue drugs/medications for 72 hours prior, if possible.
Storage Instructions
CRITICAL FROZEN. Separate specimens must be submitted for multiple tests.
Causes for Rejection
Serum or urine.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Frozen at -20 C: 1 month; Frozen at -70 C: 1 year |