Special Instructions

For centers where sampling in the fully recumbent, supine position is not possible, testing for 24-hour urine metanephrines may be preferable. Blood should be drawn in a chilled lavender-top (EDTA) tube, mixed with preservatives, centrifuged, and the plasma transferred to a labeled plastic transport tube. Sample collection should occur while the patient is in a fully recumbent position for at least 20 minutes before and during sample collection.

Limitations

The low prevalence of PPGL combined with the limited diagnostic specificity means false-positive results far outnumber true-positive results. Inappropriate sampling conditions and a number of medications and foods should be considered potential causes of borderline elevations. All patients with positive test results should receive appropriate follow-up based on the pretest probability of tumor and test result patterns. Confirmatory testing after exclusion of false-positive result sources is often useful for ruling out disease.

Biomarkers

LOINC Codes

Result Turnaround Time

Related Documents

Stability Requirements