Metanephrines, 3-Methoxytyramine, and Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine — Panel
This panel measures metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine in urine collected for 24 hours; creatinine helps assess collection adequacy and concentration.
["This 24-hour urine test helps evaluate whether your body may be producing excess catecholamine metabolites, which can be associated with rare tumors of the adrenal glands or nerves."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79575-7
- Short code
- Mtnphs+3MT+Creat pnl 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Mtnphs+3MT+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 metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine, substances formed when the body breaks down catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Creatinine is also measured to help evaluate the concentration and completeness of the urine collection.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to evaluate unexplained or persistent high blood pressure, episodic headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or other symptoms that may occur with excess catecholamine production. It is primarily used to help identify tumors that produce catecholamines, including pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a labeled container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures the catecholamine metabolites and creatinine in the collected sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your care team, and record when the collection begins and ends. Avoid starting or stopping medicines without medical advice, because some medicines and substances can affect the results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated metanephrine or 3-methoxytyramine results may indicate excess catecholamine production, including a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. Results can also be affected by physical stress, illness, kidney function, foods, nicotine, caffeine, and certain medicines, so abnormal findings usually require clinical review and sometimes repeat or confirmatory testing.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Metanephrines Panel
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 24-hour urine collection needed?
Can medicines or foods affect the results?
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