Catecholamines Fractionated, Plasma

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR60295Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0080216CPT Code 82384

Catecholamines Fractionated, Plasma

Also known as: CATE PF

Clinical Use

Order Test

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.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

Dopamine

Analyte

Dopamine • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Epinephrine

Analyte

Epinephrine • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Norepinephrine

Analyte

Norepinephrine • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

49257-9
14703-3
14711-6
14852-8

Result Turnaround Time

1-5 days

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.