Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Metanephrines (Catecholamines)
This test measures the levels of metanephrines, which are breakdown products of adrenaline and noradrenaline, in your blood. They help identify conditions affecting your adrenal glands or nervous system.
["Metanephrines can signal potential adrenal gland tumors or other disorders affecting hormone production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3797-8
- Short code
- MTX 72h p SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- MTX 72h p SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss. It’s also used to check for conditions like pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect results, such as certain stimulants or caffeine. Bring a list of your current medications to your doctor.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized technique to measure metanephrines.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
High levels of metanephrines may indicate adrenal gland tumors or other conditions affecting hormone balance. Low levels might suggest other underlying health issues, but results should always be interpreted by a healthcare provider in context with your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated metanephrines are strongly linked to pheochromocytoma, a tumor that can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also be elevated in other conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 syndromes. Low levels alone are less diagnostic but may warrant further investigation if symptoms suggest a metabolic or endocrine disorder.
Short name
Metanephrines (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal metanephrine levels?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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