Metanephrines (Metanephrine and Normetanephrine), 24-Hour Urine — Screening Panel
Measures metanephrine and normetanephrine in urine collected for 24 hours to screen for conditions involving excess catecholamines. Creatinine helps assess collection adequacy.
["This 24-hour urine test screens for elevated metanephrines, which may occur with catecholamine-producing tumors."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86931-3
- Short code
- Metanephs+Creat pnl 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Metanephs+Creat pnl 24h Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures metanephrine and normetanephrine, substances formed when the body breaks down stress hormones called catecholamines. The urine is collected for 24 hours, and creatinine is often included to help check whether the collection was complete.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered when hypertension, pounding headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or episodes of weakness suggest excess catecholamine production. It is mainly used to screen for pheochromocytoma and other rare catecholamine-producing tumors.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period using the container and instructions provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures metanephrine and normetanephrine and may measure urine creatinine to evaluate the adequacy of the collection.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully and record when the collection starts and ends. Tell your clinician about medicines, supplements, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise, because some can affect the results and may need to be managed safely before testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated metanephrines may suggest a catecholamine-producing tumor, but an abnormal screening result does not establish that diagnosis. Stress, illness, certain medicines, nicotine, caffeine, and other factors can also raise levels. An unexpected result is generally reviewed with other findings and may require repeat testing or confirmatory testing.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Metanephrines
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine catecholamine test?
What happens if I miss part of the urine collection?
Does an abnormal result mean I have a tumor?
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