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Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Norepinephrine in Urine (24-Hour Collection)

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

This test measures the total amounts of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine, two key stress hormones, collected over 24 hours in your urine.

Quick summary

["Assesses your body’s response to stress and helps diagnose conditions like pheochromocytoma."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12520-3
Short code
UCAT6
Synonyms
Catechols sp6 p chal Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container with 6N HCl preservative (25 mL per liter of urine) or as specified by the performing laboratory
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
20
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–99 years
Method
High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
82384
SNOMED
27142005
Specimen volume
Entire 24-hour urine collection or timed aliquot as specified by challenge protocol; minimum 10 mL aliquot required for testing
Stability
Urine preserved with HCl is stable at 2-8°C for up to 14 days; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Unpreserved specimens should be acidified promptly after collection.
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 a condition called pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that causes high levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine. It can also be used to monitor people with known adrenal tumors or other stress-related disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of evaluating symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, or irregular heartbeat that don’t have an obvious cause.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting right after you wake up and ending just before you wake up the next morning. Store the urine in a refrigerator or at room temperature, and keep a record of all urine output. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

What Happens During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine over the 24-hour period. The test is typically done in a lab and doesn’t require a clinic visit unless your doctor provides specific instructions.

Possible Results and Interpretation

High levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine in urine can indicate pheochromocytoma or other conditions affecting your adrenal glands. Very low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or other stress-related issues. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and may recommend further testing or treatment based on your symptoms and overall health.

Reference range

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and specimen collection protocol. For 24-hour urine catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine), typical adult reference ranges are: Epinephrine 0-20 mcg/24h, Norepinephrine 0-100 mcg/24h, Dopamine 0-400 mcg/24h. For timed post-challenge specimens, results should be interpreted in conjunction with the specific challenge protocol and baseline values.N/A

Specimen: urine

Patient should avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours prior to collection. Certain medications including MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha and beta blockers, levodopa, and sympathomimetic drugs may affect results and should be discontinued if clinically appropriate (typically 1-2 weeks prior). Patient should be informed about the specific challenge procedure (e.g., clonidine suppression test, glucagon stimulation test, or standing/supine protocol) prior to specimen collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

24-Hour Urine Catecholamines

Frequently asked questions

What does elevated or low urine catecholamine levels mean?
Elevated levels may signal a tumor (pheochromocytoma) or other adrenal gland disorders causing excessive hormone release. Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to determine the next steps. Low levels might raise concerns about adrenal gland function or stress-related conditions, but further evaluation is needed to confirm.
How often should this test be repeated?
If your initial results are abnormal, your doctor may repeat the test to confirm findings or check for changes over time. Follow-up tests often depend on your symptoms, treatment plan, and additional diagnostic work.
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
Yes, certain activities like intense exercise, caffeine, or stress can temporarily affect hormone levels. Avoid these factors for 24 hours before your collection period to get the most accurate results.
  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