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Catecholamine Metabolite Urine Panel (3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxyphenylglycol and Vanillylmandelic Acid)

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

This test measures two important waste products of adrenaline and noradrenaline, chemicals your body produces to help manage stress and blood pressure. It helps doctors check if your body is making too much or too little of these hormones.

Quick summary

["Assesses hormone balance and potential overactivity in stress-related conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12517-9
Short code
CATU3P
Synonyms
Catechols sp3 p chal Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container containing 6N HCl (25 mL) as preservative; alternatively, sterile urine collection cup for timed post-challenge specimens
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
82384
SNOMED
16707009
Specimen volume
10-50 mL aliquot from timed urine collection; entire timed specimen should be sent for accurate quantification
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 1 month. Acidified specimens are stable for extended periods when properly stored.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

Your body breaks down adrenaline and noradrenaline into two key waste products: **3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG)** and **vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)**. These are excreted in your urine. This test measures their amounts to see if your nervous system is functioning normally or if there’s an imbalance.

Common Conditions Monitored

High levels of these metabolites can suggest conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production), excessive stress, or certain neurological disorders. Low levels might indicate adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal imbalances.

How the Test Works

A urine sample is collected over 24 hours (or sometimes a single sample). The lab uses a sensitive chemical test (likely high-performance liquid chromatography or a similar method) to measure the exact amounts of MHPG and VMA in your urine.

Preparation Tips

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period (starting after the first void). Drink plenty of water to help flush hormones out, but avoid caffeine or certain medications that might affect results.

Reference range

Reference values vary by laboratory and specimen type; generally expressed as mcg/24hr or ng/mL depending on collection method. For 3rd post-challenge specimen, results are interpreted relative to baseline and subsequent specimens collected at timed intervals following provocative testing (e.g., glucagon stimulation or clonidine suppression test).N/A

Specimen: urine

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and strenuous exercise for 24-72 hours prior to collection. Discontinue certain medications (e.g., MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha/beta blockers, diuretics) for at least 2 weeks prior if clinically feasible. Patients should be fasting or on a low-VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) diet. Remain in supine position for at least 30 minutes before and during timed specimen collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Catecholamine Metabolites

Frequently asked questions

What might elevated or low results mean?
Elevated levels may signal overproduction of adrenaline or noradrenaline, often linked to tumors (like pheochromocytoma), severe anxiety, or other hyperadrenergic states. Low levels could indicate adrenal gland dysfunction or other hormonal disorders. Always discuss results with your doctor—they’ll consider your full medical history and other test results to interpret them correctly.
How often is this test done?
This test is usually done once or twice a year for people with known conditions like pheochromocytoma or those taking medications that affect adrenaline levels. Others may have it as part of a broader evaluation for stress-related symptoms or neurological concerns.
Can diet or medications affect this test?
Yes! Avoid caffeine, certain pain relievers (like aspirin), and some antidepressants before testing. Also, smoking can temporarily raise VMA levels. Always tell your doctor about all medications or supplements you’re taking.
  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