Epinephrine (Adrenaline) in Plasma by Immunoassay
This test measures the level of epinephrine, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood plasma. It helps assess conditions affecting stress response, blood pressure, or adrenal function.
["Epinephrine levels can signal how your body reacts to stress or certain medical conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87375-2
- Short code
- EC paa gene Islt Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- EC paa gene Islt Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or unusual sweating that suggest an overactive stress response. It could also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor affecting hormone production) or severe allergic reactions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the draw, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight prick, but it usually doesn’t cause pain. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect epinephrine levels.
What the Results Mean
Epinephrine levels can vary based on your activity level, stress, and time of day. High levels may indicate overactivity of your adrenal glands or conditions like pheochromocytoma. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal imbalances. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Epinephrine levels are critical in diagnosing conditions that involve abnormal hormone secretion, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor that causes excessive hormone release), severe allergic reactions, or conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system. Elevated levels may also be seen in people with certain heart conditions or during extreme stress responses. Low levels can be associated with adrenal gland disorders or other metabolic issues.
Short name
Epinephrine (Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Will this test affect my medications?
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