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Adrenaline (epinephrine) mass concentration in urine

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

This test measures the amount of adrenaline, a natural chemical in your body that helps your heart beat stronger and your breathing faster during stress or excitement. It’s often checked in urine over a 24-hour period.

Quick summary

["This test helps diagnose conditions like pheochromocytoma or other adrenal gland or nerve-related disorders."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12521-1
Short code
UCAT7
Synonyms
Catechols sp7 p chal Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container with 6N HCl preservative (10-25 mL per liter of urine) or per laboratory-specific protocol for timed/post-challenge collections
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Electrochemical Detection or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
82384
SNOMED
104126005
Specimen volume
Entire timed urine collection specimen; minimum 10 mL aliquot required for analysis
Stability
Stable for 14 days at 2-8°C with acid preservative; stable for 30 days at -20°C for longer storage. Specimen should be acidified to pH <3.0 immediately upon collection to prevent catecholamine degradation.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or headaches that don’t have an obvious cause. It can also be used to monitor certain genetic conditions or after surgery to check for adrenal gland issues.

Sample Collection and Preparation

You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample starting right after you wake up and ending just before you wake up the next day. Store the urine in a refrigerator until you take it to the lab. This ensures accurate measurement of adrenaline levels throughout the day.

What to Expect During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. You’ll likely be given instructions to avoid certain foods or medications that might affect results, such as certain supplements or caffeine.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy individuals. High levels may suggest conditions like pheochromocytoma, while very low levels might indicate other health concerns that need further evaluation.

Reference range

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and must be interpreted in the context of the specific challenge protocol. For the 7th post-challenge urine specimen, results are typically reported as a ratio or increment above baseline. Consult laboratory-specific reference values for epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in timed urine collections following provocation testing.N/A

Specimen: urine

Patient must abstain from certain foods (bananas, avocados, coffee, tea, chocolate, citrus fruits, vanilla) for 48-72 hours prior to testing. Avoidance of sympathomimetic medications, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and levodopa is required for at least 1 week before testing. No smoking or vigorous exercise for 24 hours prior to and during specimen collection. Specific provocation challenge protocol (e.g., glucagon, histamine, tyramine) must be followed precisely per institutional guidelines.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine catecholamine (epinephrine) test

Frequently asked questions

What could cause elevated adrenaline levels in urine?
Elevated adrenaline levels can be caused by conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland), certain nerve disorders, or excessive stress or anxiety. It can also be influenced by medications, caffeine, or certain foods.
What does it mean if my test results are normal?
Normal results mean your body’s adrenaline levels are within expected ranges for healthy individuals. However, normal results don’t rule out all possible causes of symptoms you may be experiencing. Follow-up with your doctor if you have ongoing concerns.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your medical condition and doctor’s recommendations. If you have a known condition like pheochromocytoma, your doctor may schedule regular tests. Otherwise, this test is usually done as needed for diagnosis or monitoring.
  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