Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma
Also known as: Adrenalin®, Plasma, Dopamine, Plasma, Epinephrine, Plasma, Noradrenaline, Plasma, Norepinephrine, Plasma
Use
Diagnose pheochromocytoma and those paragangliomas which may secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine, or both. Such tumors may cause paroxysmal or persistent hypertension. Investigation of hypertensive patients, especially younger individuals, particularly when hypertension is paroxysmal, suggesting pheochromocytoma. Plasma catecholamines with urinary metanephrines and VMA are a recommended test battery for pheochromocytoma.3 Others recommend plasma catecholamines when urinary collections are not diagnostic. Work up multiple endocrine adenomatosis, type II. Used also in diagnosis of disorders related to the nervous system and in assessment of resuscitation.4
Special Instructions
Patients should discontinue drugs and substances that may affect catecholamine levels for at least one week prior to specimen collection. The collection should be done after the patient has been in a supine position for at least 20 minutes.
Limitations
This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. Performance characteristics were determined by Labcorp. Plasma catecholamine levels can be affected by many factors including medications, stress, and dietary sources. Interference can occur from drugs like MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetic substances, and certain antidepressants. False positives can arise from dietary intake of catecholamine-rich foods.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 34551-2
- 2666-6
- 2230-1
- 2216-0
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a chilled lavender-top tube. Centrifuge, transfer to a labeled transport tube, place on ice immediately, and freeze within four hours.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be in a fully recumbent position for at least 20 minutes before and during sample collection.
Storage Instructions
Freeze. Plasma must be frozen immediately after centrifugation.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen not drawn in correct tube; plasma not received frozen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unstable |
| Refrigerated | Unstable |
| Frozen | 14 days |