Test ID CATU Catecholamine Fractionation, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Useful For
An auxiliary test to fractionated plasma and urine metanephrine measurements in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
An auxiliary test to urine vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid determination in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with neuroblastoma and related tumors
Special Instructions
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Catecholamine Fract, Free, USpecimen Type
UrineAdvisory Information
This assay is of greatest value when the specimen is collected during a hypertensive episode.
Do not perform the test on patients withdrawing from legal or illegal drugs known to cause rebound catecholamine release during withdrawal (see Cautions for details)
This test should not be used as the first-line test for pheochromocytoma. The recommended first-line laboratory tests for pheochromocytoma are PMET / Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, Plasma and/or METAF / Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour, Urine.
Necessary Information
24-Hour volume is required.
Specimen Required
1. Discontinue drugs that release or hinder metabolism of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine for at least 1 week before specimen collection (see Cautions for details). If this is not possible for medical reasons, contact the laboratory to discuss whether a shorter drug-withdrawal period may be acceptable.
2. Unless the reason for testing is drug monitoring, discontinue any epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine injections or infusions for at least 12 hours before specimen collection.
Supplies: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube (T068)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect urine for 24 hours.
2. Add 25 mL of 50% acetic acid as preservative at start of collection. Use 15 mL of 50% acetic acid for children less than 5 years old. This preservative is intended to achieve a pH of between approximately 2 and 4.
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens in Special Instructions for multiple collections.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 14 days | ||
Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
NOREPINEPHRINE
<1 year: <11 mcg/24 hours
1 year: 1-17 mcg/24 hours
2-3 years: 4-29 mcg/24 hours
4-6 years: 8-45 mcg/24 hours
7-9 years: 13-65 mcg/24 hours
≥10 years: 15-80 mcg/24 hours
EPINEPHRINE
<1 year: <2.6 mcg/24 hours
1 year: <3.6 mcg/24 hours
2-3 years: <6.1 mcg/24 hours
4-9 years: 0.2-10.0 mcg/24 hours
10-15 years: 0.5-20.0 mcg/24 hours
≥16 years: <21 mcg/24 hours
DOPAMINE
<1 year: <86 mcg/24 hours
1 year: 10-140 mcg/24 hours
2-3 years: 40-260 mcg/24 hours
≥4 years: 65-400 mcg/24 hours
For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m.
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
82384
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CATU | Catecholamine Fract, Free, U | 92938-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
TM48 | Collection Duration | 13362-9 |
VL46 | Urine Volume | 3167-4 |
2106 | Norepinephrine | 2668-2 |
2107 | Epinephrine | 2232-7 |
2108 | Dopamine | 2218-6 |
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.