Catecholamine Tests
Catecholamine Test
A catecholamine test is a laboratory test to measure certain hormones in the body, like epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. This type of test checks the level of these hormones in the blood, urine or saliva, and helps diagnose a variety of medical conditions including adrenal tumors, psychiatric disorders and brain tumors.
Purpose of the Test
A catecholamine test is done to:
- Diagnose diseases or conditions that cause too much or too little of these hormones in the body
- Measure the effectiveness of medications used to treat these diseases or conditions
- Look for tumors in the adrenal glands, which produce hormones including epinephrine and norepinephrine
- Determine if a certain psychiatric disorder is present due to an imbalance of hormones, such as bipolar disorder
- Monitor the status of brain tumors that secrete catecholamines
Preparation
Before the catecholamine test, it is important that you inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Certain drugs, such as antibiotics and antacids, can alter the test results.
Procedure
A catecholamine test may include one or more of the following:
- Blood test – A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Urine test – The patient is asked to collect a urine sample for 24 hours. This sample is collected in a special container and sent to the lab.
- Saliva test – A saliva sample is collected and tested in the lab.
Types
The two most common types of catecholamine tests are:
- Plasma Free Metanephrine (PFM): This test measures the levels of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine in the bloodstream.
- Urine VMA/Catecholamine: This test measures the levels of catecholamines in the urine.
Risks
There are no serious risks associated with catecholamine tests. The only risks are those associated with any blood test, such as infection or minor bleeding.
Why It's Done
A catecholamine test is done to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions or diseases associated with too much or too little of these hormones.
When To Do It
Your doctor might order a catecholamine test if you have symptoms of an adrenal tumor, such as weight gain, shortness of breath or chest pain. Your doctor may also want to test your catecholamines if you have symptoms of a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, mania or bipolar disorder. Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a brain tumor, such as a pituitary tumor, that is secreting catecholamines.
Interpreting Results
Normal levels of catecholamines for adults are epinephrine 0.5–2.0 ng/mL, norepinephrine 5.0–15.0 ng/mL, and dopamine 20–100 mcg/day. Higher levels of catecholamines may indicate a tumor in the adrenal gland, or a tumor elsewhere in the body that is secreting catecholamines. Low levels may indicate deficiencies in the adrenal glands.
Your doctor can interpret the results of your catecholamine test and determine the best course of treatment for you. He or she can also recommend further tests if needed.
