LAB TEST
Catecholamines - urine
Catecholamines are chemicals made by nerve tissue (including the brain) and the adrenal gland. The main types of catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These chemicals break down into other components, which leave your body through your urine. A urine test can be done to measure the amount of catecholamines produced by your body. Separate urine tests may be done to measure related substances. Catecholamines can also be measured with a blood test .
How the Test is Performed
For this test, you must collect your urine in a special bag or container every time you urinate for a 24-hour period. On day 1, urinate over the toilet when you wake up in the morning and discard that urine. Urinate into the special container every time you use the bathroom for the next 24 hours. Keep it in the…
How to Prepare for the Test
Stress and heavy exercise may affect the test results. Some foods can increase catecholamines in your urine. You may need to avoid the following foods and beverages for several days before the test: Bananas Chocolate Citrus fruits Cocoa Coffee Licorice Tea Vanilla Many medicines can interfere with test results. Your…
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is usually done to diagnose an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma . It may also be used to diagnose a nervous system tumor called neuroblastoma . Urine catecholamine levels are increased in most people with neuroblastoma. The urine test for catecholamines may also be used to monitor those who are…
Normal Results
All of the catecholamines are broken down into inactive substances that appear in the urine: Dopamine becomes homovanillic acid (HVA) Norepinephrine becomes normetanephrine and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) Epinephrine becomes metanephrine and VMA The following normal values are the amount of the substance found in the…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Elevated levels of urinary catecholamines may indicate: Acute anxiety or severe stress Ganglioneuroblastoma (very rare) Ganglioneuroma (very rare) Neuroblastoma (rare) Pheochromocytoma (rare) The test may also be performed for: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
Risks
There are no risks.
Considerations
Several foods and drugs, as well as physical activity and stress, can affect the accuracy of this test.
References
Gruber HA, Oprea M. Russell YX. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 25. Young WF. Adrenal medulla, catecholamines, and pheochromocytoma. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 20/08/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.