Plasma Catecholamine Metabolite Profile (including Metanephrines and Homovanillate)
This test measures levels of certain chemicals in your blood that are produced when your body releases stress hormones. These metabolites help doctors assess how well your adrenal glands are functioning and whether you may have conditions like pheochromocytoma or other adrenal or nerve-related disorders.
["This test helps identify potential hormonal imbalances linked to stress or nerve system issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12523-7
- Short code
- CATPLPC3
- Synonyms
- Catechols sp3 p chal Plas-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Pre-chilled EDTA (lavender-top) or heparinized plasma collection tube; specialized tubes with sodium metabisulfite preservative may be required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 750
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82384
- SNOMED
- 3901000175105
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of whole blood collected into chilled anticoagulant tube
- Stability
- Plasma must be separated immediately in refrigerated centrifuge (4°C) within 30 minutes of collection. Plasma is stable for 4 hours at room temperature, 24 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C, and up to 1 month frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your adrenal glands, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor that causes high blood pressure and other symptoms) or other rare disorders involving abnormal hormone production. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for nerve-related conditions like multiple sclerosis or certain types of tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications for a few days beforehand, depending on your doctor’s instructions. For example, some medications or foods can affect the levels of these metabolites. Your doctor will guide you on what to do.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. This is a simple process that usually takes a few minutes. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but it won’t take long. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Your results will show the concentration of specific metabolites in your blood. These levels can help your doctor determine if there’s an abnormal production of stress hormones or other conditions affecting your body. High or low levels may indicate specific health concerns that need further evaluation.
Reference range
Reference values for plasma catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) following provocation challenge should be interpreted in the context of the specific challenge protocol, baseline values, and clinical scenario. Supine resting reference ranges are approximately: Norepinephrine 70-750 pg/mL; Epinephrine 0-110 pg/mL; Dopamine 0-30 pg/mL. Post-challenge values typically show a physiological rise; results must be compared against institutional reference ranges specific to the challenge procedure.N/A
Patients should avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours prior to collection. Many medications can interfere including tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, alpha and beta blockers, diuretics, and sympathomimetic drugs; consultation with ordering physician regarding medication hold is recommended. Fasting is not required but patients should remain at rest in a supine position for at least 20-30 minutes prior to and during specimen collection. The specific challenge protocol (e.g., glucagon, clonidine suppression, tyramine) must be documented and followed precisely.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Catecholamine Metabolites
Frequently asked questions
What could cause abnormal results?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy