Dopamine Plasma Concentration (24-Hour Urinary Excretion Rate)
This test measures the amount of dopamine, a natural chemical in your body, over a 24-hour period in your urine. Dopamine helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
["Understanding your dopamine levels can help doctors assess heart and blood pressure health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78189-8
- Short code
- MV med ann E-wave/e-prime Vmax DOP+TDI
- Synonyms
- MV med ann E-wave/e-prime Vmax DOP+TDI
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-doppler-tissue-doppler
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, or certain neurological disorders. It can also help monitor dopamine-related medications or diagnose metabolic or endocrine issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically collect a 24-hour urine sample starting from one morning after waking up until the next morning. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine or certain medications that might affect dopamine levels. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions carefully.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed in a lab to measure dopamine concentration. The test measures how much dopamine is excreted over 24 hours, which helps evaluate dopamine production and metabolism in your body.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to standard ranges for healthy individuals. Abnormal results may indicate conditions affecting dopamine production, storage, or metabolism, such as certain genetic disorders or hormonal imbalances.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated dopamine levels in urine might suggest conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production) or certain metabolic disorders. Low levels could be linked to conditions affecting dopamine receptors or neurotransmitter function, such as Parkinson’s disease or dopamine deficiency syndromes. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Frequently asked questions
What does a high dopamine level in urine mean?
What does a low dopamine level in urine mean?
Can diet or medications affect 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