Catecholamine Fractionation, Standing, Plasma, Free
Use
This test is useful for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in individuals in a standing position. It serves as an auxiliary test to fractionated plasma and urine metanephrine measurements. Additionally, it aids in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with neuroblastoma and related tumors, complementing urine vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid measurements. The test is also valuable in evaluating patients with autonomic dysfunction/failure or autonomic neuropathy.
Special Instructions
Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see CATPA / Catecholamine, Endocrine Study, Plasma. The test requires careful patient preparation, including discontinuing certain medications and abstaining from food, tobacco, and caffeinated beverages before collection.
Limitations
Catecholamines in plasma are chemically labile and must be handled carefully due to rapid metabolism and oxidation. Factors like environmental stress, body position, and various substances can affect catecholamine levels and may lead to diagnostic confusion.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 95056-8
- 17368-2
- 95054-3
- 95055-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL plasma per collection
Minimum Volume
2 mL per collection
Container
Catecholamine tubes containing EDTA-sodium metabisulfite solution
Collection Instructions
Draw blood into chilled EDTA-sodium metabisulfite 10-mL tube. Keep specimen refrigerated at all times. Within 30 minutes of collection, centrifuge in a refrigerated centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial. Freeze specimen immediately.
Patient Preparation
Discontinue drugs affecting epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine release or metabolism for at least 1 week prior. No food, tobacco, or caffeine 4 hours before collection.
Storage Instructions
Specimens must remain at refrigerated temperature at all times. Ship frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK, Gross lipemia: OK, Gross icterus: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 28 days |