Norepinephrine, mass concentration in plasma
This test measures the amount of norepinephrine, a key chemical in your body’s fight-or-flight response, present in your blood plasma. It helps assess how well your nervous system is regulating stress hormones.
["Norepinephrine levels can signal nerve or adrenal issues, especially in chronic stress or certain health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47158-1
- Short code
- Norepineph 2h p 300 ug CLN PO Plas-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Norepineph 2h p 300 ug CLN PO Plas-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- 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
Your doctor orders this test to check how well certain organs or systems in your body are working, to look for signs of illness, or to monitor a condition you already have. The results give important information that helps guide decisions about your diagnosis and treatment.
Your doctor may order this test to evaluate symptoms like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or unexplained fatigue, which could indicate problems with your nervous system or hormone balance. It’s also used in diagnosing conditions like pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor affecting hormone production) or assessing nerve damage.
Your result shows how much of the measured substance was found in your sample. A value inside the normal range usually means typical body function, while a level that is too high or too low can point to a health problem that your healthcare provider may need to look into further.
Results are not provided with specific reference ranges here, but elevated levels may suggest overactivity of the adrenal glands or nerve system, while very low levels could indicate nerve dysfunction or medication side effects. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
This test is commonly ordered during routine checkups, when you have unexplained symptoms, to screen for certain diseases, or to see how well a treatment is working over time. Your healthcare provider will decide how often you should have it based on your medical history and risk factors.
This test is often performed alongside other hormone or stress tests if you have symptoms like severe headaches, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained sweating. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for chronic stress, anxiety disorders, or certain neurological conditions.
Your sample, usually a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in your arm or a urine specimen, will be collected by a trained professional. Follow any instructions your care team gives you, such as fasting for a set number of hours or avoiding certain foods and medicines before the visit.
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually in the morning for consistency. The blood is processed to separate plasma, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 12 hours before the test to ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Norepinephrine Plasma
Frequently asked questions
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone produced by the adrenal glands and nerve cells. High levels can indicate conditions like pheochromocytoma, autonomic dysfunction, or severe stress responses. Low levels may signal nerve damage, certain medications, or adrenal insufficiency. Always correlate results with clinical symptoms and other tests for proper diagnosis.
Results from this test are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the results.
Yes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Generally, avoid eating, drinking (except water), smoking, or consuming caffeine for at least 12 hours before your test to ensure accurate results.
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