Advisory 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

Patient Preparation:

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.