Metanephrines and 3-Methoxytyramine with Creatinine — Urine
A urine test that measures catecholamine metabolites and creatinine. It is mainly used to help evaluate whether symptoms may be caused by a catecholamine-secreting tumor.
["Elevated urine metanephrines can suggest a catecholamine-secreting tumor, but medications, diet, stress, and physical activity may also affect results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72670-3
- Short code
- Mtnphs+3MT+Creat pnl Ur
- Synonyms
- Mtnphs+3MT+Creat pnl 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, which include metanephrine and normetanephrine, and 3-methoxytyramine in urine. These substances are breakdown products of catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. Urine creatinine is also measured to help account for how concentrated the urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to evaluate episodes of headache, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or high blood pressure. Its main purpose is to help determine whether a catecholamine-secreting tumor, such as pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, may be present.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample according to the laboratory's instructions. Depending on the order, the test may use a single urine collection or a collection over a specified period, such as 24 hours. The laboratory measures the requested substances and adjusts the results when appropriate.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions carefully and tell the clinician about medicines, supplements, caffeine, smoking, and recent strenuous exercise. Some medicines and stimulants can increase these results, and the clinician may advise changes only when it is safe to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Higher-than-expected metanephrine or 3-methoxytyramine levels may be associated with a catecholamine-secreting tumor, particularly when symptoms such as episodic headache, sweating, palpitations, or hypertension are also present. However, stress, anxiety, exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and certain medicines can also cause elevations, so results must be interpreted with the collection method and clinical findings. Urine creatinine helps show whether dilution or very concentrated urine influenced the measurement.
Short name
Urine metanephrines
Frequently asked questions
What are urine metanephrines?
Does this test diagnose a tumor by itself?
Why is urine creatinine included?
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