Catecholamines - 24 hour urine ( Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline )
Also Known As
Test Parameters Included
- 24-hour Urine Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Concentration (mcg/24h)
- 24-hour Urine Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) Concentration (mcg/24h)
- Pathologist Endocrinology Remark - interpreted against age-adjusted reference intervals for catecholamine-secreting disorders
Department
Methodology
This test measures Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Nor-adrenaline (Norepinephrine) in a 24-hour urine sample using advanced Chromatography techniques, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods accurately separate, identify, and quantify the specific catecholamines, providing precise results critical for diagnosis.
Sample Required
Preparation
* Dietary Restrictions: For at least 2-3 days before and during the collection period, avoid foods high in catecholamines or their precursors, including:
* Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages (including decaffeinated products).
* Bananas, citrus fruits, and vanilla (including vanilla-containing foods/drinks).
* Chocolate.
* Nuts.
* Aged cheese.
* Alcohol.
* Medication Restrictions: Consult your doctor about all medications you are taking. Many drugs can interfere with catecholamine levels or their metabolism. Do NOT stop any prescribed medication without your doctor's explicit instruction. Common interfering medications may include:
* Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine).
* Certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors).
* L-Dopa (for Parkinson's disease).
* Cold remedies and appetite suppressants.
* Amphetamines.
* Some anti-hypertensive drugs.
* Stress and Physical Activity: Avoid physical and emotional stress as much as possible for at least 24 hours before and during the collection. Strenuous exercise, smoking, and excessive stress can all temporarily elevate catecholamine levels.
* Urine Collection Procedure (24-Hour):
* You will be provided with a special container, often containing a preservative, by the laboratory.
* Day 1: At a specific time (e.g., 7:00 AM), empty your bladder completely and discard this first urine sample. Note the exact time.
* Collect all subsequent urine passed for the next 24 hours into the container. This includes urine passed during the night.
* Day 2: At the same time as you started on Day 1 (e.g., 7:00 AM), empty your bladder completely and add this last sample to the container.
* Keep the collection container refrigerated or on ice throughout the 24-hour period to prevent degradation of the catecholamines.
* Record the exact start and end times of the collection.
* Measure and record the total volume of urine collected at the end of the 24-hour period, and submit a 5ml aliquot along with the total volume information to the lab as instructed.
Schedule Report
24 Hours
Emergency Report
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting required before this test?
Fasting is not mandatory, but patients should avoid caffeine, bananas, vanilla, and acetaminophen for 48 hours before collection as these can interfere with results.
How is the 24-hour urine sample collected?
The first morning urine is discarded. All subsequent urine for the next 24 hours is collected in a container with preservative and kept refrigerated. The final morning urine is added to complete the collection period.
What do high catecholamine levels indicate?
Elevated adrenaline and noradrenaline are primarily used to diagnose pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, rare adrenal tumors that cause episodic hypertension, headaches, and palpitations.
Can stress affect the test results?
Yes, physical and emotional stress can transiently raise catecholamine levels. Patients should rest for 30 minutes before starting collection and avoid strenuous exercise during the 24-hour period.
How are the results interpreted?
Results are evaluated alongside clinical symptoms and blood pressure patterns. Consistently elevated values warrant further imaging such as CT or MRI to localize any catecholamine-secreting tumor.
How to access the report?
Verified PDF reports are available within 48-72 hours via www.drpatholab.in or WhatsApp/Email after sample receipt and analysis.
Test Description
Test Code
C14
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