Catecholamines, Fractionated, Urinary Free, Random Urine
Also known as: Dopamine, Random Urine, Epinephrine, Random Urine, Fractionation, Urinary Free Catecholamines, Free Catecholamine Fractionation, Norepinephrine, Random Urine
Use
Work up neuroblastoma; diagnose pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytomas and occasional paragangliomas may cause persistent or paroxysmal hypertension. Work up palpitation, severe headache, diaphoresis. Evaluate for possible multiple endocrine adenomatosis type II.
Special Instructions
Random urine collection is required. Note: If the original urine container is received with a pH greater than 3 but less than 5, adjust the pH to less than 3 with 6N HCl.
Limitations
False-negatives and false-positives may occur. A 24-hour urine collection is often more informative because it represents a longer sampling time and can detect cases missed by blood or random urine levels due to intermittent catecholamine secretion by pheochromocytomas.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2161-8
- 11046-0
- 13734-9
- 2667-4
- 13782-8
- 2217-8
- 13733-1
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
10 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
4 mL aliquot
Container
Random urine transport tube containing 6N HCl or urine Monovette® with pH stabilizer (LabCorp N° 56015).
Collection Instructions
Refer to the Preservative Quick Reference Chart in Specimen Collection: Urine Specimens.
Patient Preparation
Avoid patient stress. Many drugs (e.g., reserpine, alpha methyldopa, levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and sympathomimetic amines) may interfere and should be discontinued two weeks prior to specimen collection. Nose drops, sinus and cough medicines, and other medications may interfere. Caffeine should be avoided before and during collection. The patient should not be subjected to hypoglycemia or exertion.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Causes for Rejection
Specimen with no preservative; original container with pH >5
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days at 70°C |