Norepinephrine (serum/plasma concentration)
This test measures the amount of norepinephrine, a key chemical in your body that helps regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, and response to stress.
["Norepinephrine helps control your body’s fight-or-flight response and blood pressure levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54078-1
- Short code
- NB pnl CF Patient
- Synonyms
- NB pnl CF Patient
- 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, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or signs of low blood pressure (such as dizziness or fainting). It can also be used to evaluate conditions affecting your nervous system, like certain types of shock or nerve disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s drawn from your blood. If you’re taking medications, let your healthcare provider know beforehand.
How the Test Works
A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab to measure norepinephrine levels using a sensitive detection method, often an immunoassay.
What the Results Mean
Results can vary based on your health, medications, and other factors. High levels may suggest conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production) or severe stress. Low levels might indicate nerve damage or certain medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated norepinephrine levels can indicate overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, potentially linked to conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, or adrenal tumors. Lower levels may reflect autonomic dysfunction or certain neurological disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Norepinephrine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes high norepinephrine levels?
What does it mean if my norepinephrine is low?
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