Adrenaline (Epinephrine) in Urine, 24-Hour Collection
This test measures the amount of adrenaline (a natural chemical in your body) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps doctors check for conditions affecting your adrenal glands or nerve function.
["This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like pheochromocytoma or other adrenal or nerve-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12518-7
- Short code
- UCAT4
- Synonyms
- Catechols sp4 p chal Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (dark-colored, acid-preserved) containing 6N HCl as preservative (25 mL of 6N HCl per 24-hour collection); alternatively, a clean, sterile, preservative-free container for timed specimens with immediate acidification upon receipt in laboratory.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Electrochemical Detection or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82384
- SNOMED
- 167797009
- Specimen volume
- Entire timed urine collection (typically 4th timed fraction post-challenge); minimum 10 mL aliquot required for testing.
- Stability
- Catecholamines are unstable in urine. Acidified specimens are stable for 14 days at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or 30 days at -20°C (frozen). Non-acidified specimens must be acidified within 2 hours of collection and stored refrigerated. Specimens should be transported on ice or with cold packs.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a condition that causes too much adrenaline in your body, such as a tumor (pheochromocytoma) on your adrenal glands or certain nerve disorders. It’s also used to check how well treatment is working for these conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for 24 hours, starting and ending with your first urine of the next day. Store the urine in a special container provided by your lab. Follow any specific instructions your doctor gives you to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
The collected urine is analyzed in a lab to measure the total amount of adrenaline. Special techniques like chromatography or immunoassay detect and quantify the chemical.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal results may indicate conditions like pheochromocytoma, excessive stress, or certain medications. Lower-than-normal results might suggest adrenal gland dysfunction or other underlying health issues. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Reference values are highly dependent on the specific challenge protocol used (e.g., clonidine suppression test, glucagon stimulation test). Results should be interpreted in the context of the challenge study and compared to baseline pre-challenge values. Typical post-challenge urinary catecholamine levels are generally lower than baseline values in normal individuals.N/A
Patient should avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours prior to and during specimen collection. Certain medications including MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, and sympathomimetic drugs may interfere with results and should be discontinued if clinically feasible (consult ordering physician). Patient should be fasting or on a low-VMA-restricted diet as instructed by the physician administering the challenge test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Urine Epinephrine
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal adrenaline levels in urine?
How long does it take to get the results?
Can I take medications 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy