Epinephrine (Adrenaline) in Urine (Total 24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total amount of epinephrine, a natural chemical your body produces to help respond to stress or excitement, over a 24-hour period through your urine.
["Helps assess how your body handles stress-related hormones over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108363-3
- Short code
- Etilefrine Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Etilefrine Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production), anxiety disorders, or other stress-related conditions that affect hormone levels. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting the adrenal glands or nervous system.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, starting after you wake up in the morning. Store the urine in a refrigerator and return it to your doctor’s office or lab by the next morning. Avoid certain medications that can affect results, such as some blood pressure drugs.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine samples. The lab will analyze the total volume and measure the epinephrine content in your urine sample.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate conditions like pheochromocytoma or excessive stress. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your medical history and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Epinephrine levels in urine are used to diagnose or monitor conditions that involve abnormal hormone production or stress responses. Elevated levels can point to tumors in the adrenal glands or other adrenal-related disorders. This test is particularly useful for detecting pheochromocytoma, a rare but serious tumor that can cause high blood pressure and other symptoms.
Short name
Urine Epinephrine (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated urine epinephrine levels?
Can diet or lifestyle affect this test?
How often is this test 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