Catecholamines, Plasma Fractionated
Synonyms: Norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine.
- Hermann Test Code: 83-00120 = Catecholamines, plasma fractionated
- CPT Code(s): 82384 = Catecholamines, plasma
- Specimen Requirement:
- Container:
Hermann Hospital- Draw 20 ml blood into 2 10 ml purple top tubes on ice,
send to lab immediately. Draw smple Mon. - Fri. between the hours
of 0900 hrs (9:00 AM) to 1700 hrs (5:00 PM).
Outpatient - 2 special tubes with EDTA-metabisulfite, draw 20 mls,10
mls per tube, keep on ice until picked up. Alternately collect
20 mls in green top tubes, spin, pour over to plastic vials and
freeze.
- Transport: Keep on ice during transport.
- Patient Preparation: Fast for 8 hr (no coffee, tea
or using tobacco products). Discontinue epinephrine and epinephrine-like
drug for 1 week prior to sampling.
- Collect blood after patient is supine for 30 min in a quiet room.
- Collect blood after patient has been standing for 10 min.
- Test Availability: Performed Mon. - Fri; Result available in 2 days.
-
Methodology: High performance liquid chromatography.
-
Clinical Utilization:
-
Useful in distinguishing extra-renal pheochromocytoma from adrenal
pheochromocytoma.
-
Reference Range(s): See report.
- Interpretation:
-
In extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma norepinephrine is significantly
elevated when compared to epinephrine. In the nervous system norepinephrine is synthesized and not epinephrine.
- Interfering Substances: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors,
ethanol, ajmaline, nitroglycerine, phentolamine, theophylline,
exercise and stress.
- Sensitivity & Specificity: None Listed.
- Literature:
Bakerman, S., ABC's of Interpretative Laboratory Data, 2nd ed.
Interpretative Laboratory Data Inc, Greenville N.C. 1984.
Tietz, N.W., Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 2nd ed. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia Pa. 1990.
Author: Van Dreal P.A.
Released: 12/94 Last Reviewed: 12/94
Copyright © 1994, 1995. UT DPALM MEDIC.
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