Metanephrine and Normetanephrine in Plasma (VMA-related metabolites)

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like severe headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or unexplained high blood pressure. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like adrenal tumors, certain cancers, or other hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, it’s done alongside other tests to confirm or rule out issues like pheochromocytoma.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor might ask you to avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) for a few days before the test. You’ll have blood drawn from a vein, typically in a lab or clinic. The process is quick and usually painless, though you might feel a slight pinch.

What the Test Results Mean

High levels of these chemicals may suggest overproduction of adrenaline or norepinephrine, which can be linked to tumors or other conditions. Low levels might indicate other issues, but this test alone doesn’t diagnose a specific condition—it’s often part of a larger evaluation. Your doctor will discuss the results with you in detail.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is commonly used to diagnose or monitor pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands), other adrenal tumors, or conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). It can also help assess patients with unexplained high blood pressure or symptoms of excessive adrenaline.