Skip to content

Catecholamine Metabolites in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures certain chemicals called catecholamine metabolites found in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). These metabolites are breakdown products of neurotransmitters that play a role in your body’s response to stress and emotions.

Quick summary

["Helpful for evaluating nerve function and detecting conditions affecting brain chemistry."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
79391-9
Short code
CATCHCSF
Synonyms
Catecholamine metab Pnl CSF
Category
chemistry
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile polypropylene CSF collection tube; transfer to cryovial preferred for storage. Avoid glass containers.
Units
N/A
Ref low
50
Ref high
250
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–99 years
Method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD)
CPT
82384
SNOMED
44556008
Specimen volume
2-5 mL cerebrospinal fluid; minimum 1 mL for comprehensive panel
Stability
Room temperature: 1 hour; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen at -20°C: 2 weeks; Frozen at -70°C or below: 6 months. Immediate freezing recommended for optimal stability.
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
72–168 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like severe headaches, neurological issues, or suspected conditions such as tumors, infections, or metabolic disorders that affect how your brain processes certain chemicals. It can also be used to monitor treatment responses in certain neurological conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to lie down for the procedure, which involves a small needle inserted into your back to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting.

What Happens During the Test

A healthcare professional will insert a needle into your lower back to collect CSF. The fluid is then sent to a lab for analysis. The process usually takes a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort.

What the Results Mean

The results help identify abnormal levels of specific metabolites, which can indicate underlying neurological conditions. Elevated or altered levels may suggest issues like tumors, infections, or metabolic disorders affecting brain chemistry.

Reference range

Reference values vary by analyte (HVA, VMA, 5-HIAA, MHPG, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine). Typical CSF reference ranges: HVA 50-250 ng/mL; VMA 5-25 ng/mL; 5-HIAA 10-50 ng/mL; MHPG 10-30 ng/mL. Pediatric ranges differ from adult ranges. Consult reference laboratory for age-specific values.N/A

Specimen: csf

No special patient preparation required. However, certain medications (MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-methyldopa, levodopa, sympathomimetic agents) and foods (bananas, chocolate, coffee, tea, vanilla) may affect results and should be discontinued at least 48-72 hours prior to collection if clinically feasible. Discuss with ordering physician before discontinuing any prescribed medication.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CSF Catecholamine Metabolites

Frequently asked questions

What does this test measure?
This test measures the presence and levels of specific metabolites (like vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid) in your cerebrospinal fluid, which are related to neurotransmitters involved in stress and emotional responses.
How is this test different from blood tests for catecholamines?
Unlike blood tests, this test specifically analyzes metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, which can provide more localized information about brain chemistry and is often used for diagnosing neurological conditions directly affecting the brain.
Will I need to avoid certain foods or medications before this test?
No specific dietary restrictions or medications are usually required. Follow any general instructions your healthcare provider gives you, such as fasting if applicable for other tests, but this test does not require special preparation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy