Epinephrine (adrenaline) in plasma, mass concentration
This test measures the amount of epinephrine, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood plasma. Epinephrine helps your body respond to stress or emergencies by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy.
["Epinephrine helps your body react to stress; high levels may indicate medical conditions or recent events requiring medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1462-1
- Short code
- Epineph 2h p 300 ug CLN PO Plas-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Epineph 2h p 300 ug CLN PO Plas-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 order this test to check for conditions affecting your adrenal glands, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor that produces excess hormones) or adrenal insufficiency. It may also be used to monitor stress responses, diagnose certain heart conditions, or evaluate reactions to medications or trauma.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking, as they can affect results.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. High levels may signal conditions like pheochromocytoma or severe stress reactions, while very low levels could indicate adrenal gland issues or certain medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Epinephrine levels are critical for diagnosing adrenal gland tumors, evaluating hyperadrenergic states (e.g., from anxiety, trauma, or certain medications), or assessing autonomic dysfunction. Abnormal results often prompt further testing, such as imaging or additional hormone checks, to identify underlying causes.
Short name
Plasma Epinephrine Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
What causes naturally high or low epinephrine levels?
Can I take anything before or after the blood draw?
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