Catecholamine tests

Explanation

Catecholamine tests measure chemical messengers such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine in blood or urine. Epinephrine is also called adrenaline. These substances help the body respond to stress, but measuring them is not a general test of emotional stress.

How are these different from metanephrine tests?

Metanephrines are substances formed as catecholamines are broken down. Tests for catecholamines and tests for metanephrines measure different substances, even though both may be used when investigating certain hormone-producing tumors. The test name on the report tells you which was measured.

What can affect the result?

Stress, strenuous exercise, caffeine and some medicines can affect catecholamine levels. A high result does not by itself establish that a tumor is present or show whether a tumor is cancerous.

The sample and collection conditions also matter. Urine is commonly collected over 24 hours. Follow the testing team's preparation and collection instructions, and tell them which medicines you take. Do not stop medicines on your own for the test.

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