Catecholamines Plasma

• Type: Blood test
• Purpose: Measures levels of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in the plasma
• Mechanism: Quantitative analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
• Components: Blood sample, anticoagulant, stabilizers, analytical equipment (HPLC or LC-MS/MS)
• Procedure: Blood sample is collected, plasma is separated and stabilized, then analyzed for catecholamine levels
• Detection Method: HPLC or LC-MS/MS provides precise quantification of catecholamine concentrations

• Diagnosis: Helps diagnose conditions like pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and paraganglioma
• Monitoring: Monitors treatment efficacy for catecholamine-secreting tumors
• Evaluation: Assesses adrenal gland function and response to stress
• Clinical Decision Making: Guides therapeutic interventions for hypertension and related disorders
• Research: Supports studies on the role of catecholamines in various physiological and pathological processes

• Sample Requirements: Venous blood sample, typically collected after the patient has been resting
• Pre-Analytical Factors: Requires fasting, avoiding certain medications, and minimizing stress before sample collection
• Reagents and Equipment: Anticoagulants, stabilizers, HPLC or LC-MS/MS systems
• Assay Controls: Includes quality controls and calibration standards to ensure accuracy
• Analytes: Measures epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine concentrations in the plasma

• Elevated Levels: Suggests the presence of catecholamine-secreting tumours like pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma
• Normal Levels: Indicates typical adrenal function and absence of excess catecholamine production
• Clinical Correlation: Results must be interpreted with clinical symptoms, history, and other diagnostic tests
• Stress Factors: Elevated levels may also result from stress, certain medications, or acute illness
• Diagnostic Context: High catecholamine levels alone do not confirm a diagnosis; additional imaging and biochemical tests may be necessary

• Quantitative Data: Provides specific concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in pg/mL (picograms per milliliter)
• Reference Range: Lab-specific reference ranges to distinguish between normal and abnormal levels
• Turnaround Time: Results typically available within a few days
• Result Reporting: Detailed report including individual catecholamine levels and interpretive comments
• Follow-Up: Further diagnostic testing or specialist referral if abnormal results are found

Q. What is the Catecholamines Plasma Test?
The Catecholamines Plasma Test measures the levels of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in your blood to help diagnose certain medical conditions
 

Q. Why is the test ordered?
This test is ordered to diagnose or monitor conditions like pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and other catecholamine-secreting tumors, as well as to evaluate adrenal gland function
 

Q. How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually after the patient has been resting. The plasma is then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
 

Q. Do I need to prepare for the test?
Yes, you may need to fast, avoid certain medications, and minimize stress before the test to ensure accurate results. Your doctor will provide specific instructions
 

Q. What do elevated catecholamine levels indicate?
Elevated levels can indicate the presence of catecholamine-secreting tumours like pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma, but can also be influenced by stress, medications, or acute illness
 

Q. Are there any risks associated with the test?
The risks are minimal and similar to any blood test, including slight pain, bruising, or discomfort at the puncture site
 

Q. How accurate is the Catecholamines Plasma Test?
The test is highly accurate when performed correctly, but results should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests. Elevated levels may require additional testing for a definitive diagnosis