24-Hour Urine Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Excretion Rate
This test measures how much epinephrine (adrenaline) your body releases over a 24-hour period in your urine.
["Helps assess adrenal gland function and detect conditions like pheochromocytoma or hyperadrenergic states."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3623-6
- Short code
- Etilefrine 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Etilefrine 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect an overactive adrenal gland, unusual adrenaline levels, or conditions like pheochromocytoma—a rare tumor that can cause high blood pressure and other symptoms. It may also be used to monitor people with known adrenaline-related disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all your urine for 24 hours, starting after you wake up the next morning and ending just before you wake up the following day. Store the urine in a refrigerator or cool container. Do not miss any urine, including the first or last samples of the day.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine. The lab will analyze the total amount of epinephrine in your urine sample to determine your 24-hour excretion rate.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to general reference ranges for healthy adults, but individual results can vary based on factors like age, health conditions, and medications. High levels may indicate adrenal tumors or other hyperadrenergic conditions, while very low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-hour urine epinephrine
Frequently asked questions
What does a high epinephrine level mean?
What does a low epinephrine level mean?
How often should this test be repeated?
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