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Catecholamine blood test

Norepinephrine -- blood; Epinephrine -- blood; Adrenalin -- blood; Dopamine -- blood

 

This test measures the levels of catecholamines in the blood. Catecholamines are hormones made by the adrenal glands.

Catecholamines are more often measured with a urine test than with a blood test.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You will likely be told not to eat anything (fast) for 10 hours before the test. You may be allowed to drink water during this time.

The accuracy of the test can be affected by certain foods and medicines. Foods that can increase catecholamine levels include:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Bananas
  • Chocolate
  • Cocoa
  • Citrus fruits
  • Vanilla

You should not eat these foods for several days before the test. This is especially true if both blood and urine catecholamines are to be measured.

You should also avoid stressful situations and vigorous exercise. Both can affect the accuracy of the test results.

Medicines and substances that can increase catecholamine measurements include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Albuterol
  • Aminophylline
  • Amphetamines
  • Buspirone
  • Caffeine
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Cocaine
  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Levodopa
  • Methyldopa
  • Nicotinic acid (large doses)
  • Phenoxybenzamine
  • Phenothiazines
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Reserpine
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

Medicines that can decrease catecholamine measurements include:

  • Clonidine
  • Guanethidine
  • MAO inhibitors

If you take any of the above medicines, check with your health care provider before the blood test about whether you should stop taking your medicine.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel slight pain. Others feel a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Catecholamines are released into the blood when a person is under physical or emotional stress. The main catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (which used to be called adrenalin).

This test is used to diagnose or rule out certain rare tumors, such as pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma . It may also be done in patients with those conditions to determine if treatment is working.

 

Normal Results

 

The normal range for epinephrine is 0 to 900 pg/mL.

The normal range for norepinephrine is 0 to 600 pg/mL.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Higher-than-normal levels of blood catecholamines may suggest:

  • Acute anxiety
  • Ganglioblastoma (very rare tumor)
  • Ganglioneuroma (very rare tumor)
  • Neuroblastoma (rare tumor)
  • Pheochromocytoma (rare tumor)
  • Severe stress

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include Shy-Drager syndrome .

 

Risks

 

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

Open References

References

Guber HA, Farag AF, Lo J, Sharp J. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 24.

Young WF. Adrenal medulla, catecholamines, and pheochromocytoma. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 228.

 
  • Blood test

    Blood test - illustration

    Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

    Blood test

    illustration

    • Blood test

      Blood test - illustration

      Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

      Blood test

      illustration

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          Tests for Catecholamine blood test

           
           

          Review Date: 1/31/2015

          Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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