Metanephrines Fractionated by HPLC-MS/MS, Urine
Also known as: META URINE
Use
This test is primarily used as a first-line diagnostic tool for suspected pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. It helps measure the concentrations of metanephrines, which are metabolites of catecholamines, in urine. Elevated concentrations of these metabolites can be indicative of neuroendocrine tumors such as pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
Special Instructions
Patients should abstain from medications for 72 hours prior to urine collection if possible. It is essential to mix the entire urine collection thoroughly before transferring a sample to the transport tube. Mark the total urine volume and the time interval on the transport tube and test request form.
Limitations
Increases in the levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine that are less than twice the upper reference limits are often due to physiological stimuli, certain medications, or improper specimen collection. Essential hypertension is sometimes accompanied by slight elevations in these metabolites. High levels may also result from intense physical activity, significant illness, or drug interferences. The assay can be affected by extremes in urine pH, particularly if lower than 2, causing interference.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 35674-1
- 2162-6
- 49283-5
- 19153-6
- 30211-7
- 21019-5
- 21422-1
- 19049-6
- 35644-4
- 2671-6
- 44342-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect 24-hour or random urine. Refrigerate 24-hour specimen during collection. Thoroughly mix entire collection and transfer a 4 mL aliquot to an ARUP standard transport tube. Adjust pH to 2.0-4.0 with 6M HCl or use an ARUP transport tube containing sulfamic acid for preservation.
Patient Preparation
Abstain from medications for 72 hours prior to collection if possible.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated is preferred. Frozen is also acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens preserved with boric acid or acetic acid
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks (unpreserved), 1 month (preserved) |
| Frozen | 1 month |