CATECHOLAMINES, PLASMA FRACTIONATED
Adrenaline - Dopamine - Epinephrine - Noradrenaline - Norepinephrine
Medications which may interfere with catecholamines and metabolites include amphetamines and amphetamine-like compounds, appetite suppressants, bromocriptine, buspirone, caffeine, carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet®), clonidine, dexamethasone, diuretics (in doses sufficient to deplete sodium), ethanol, isoproterenol, labetalol, methyldopa (Aldomet®), MAO inhibitors, nicotine, nose drops, propafenone (Rythmol), reserpine, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and vasodilators. The effects of drugs on catecholamine results may not be predictable.
Specimen Collection Requirements
Patient should be calm and in a supine position for 30 minutes before collection.
Plasma, two green (sodium or lithium heparin) top tubes, collect on ice
Specimen should be centrifuged and frozen within one hour, refrigerated centrifuge is preferred but not required. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered
Refrigerated, EDTA plasma, serum or urine specimens.
AFTER SEPARATION FROM CELLS: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen (-20°C): 1 month, (-70°C) up to 1 year
Testing Information
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Mayo Medical Laboratory (CEAPC)
Reference Values
Children, particularly those under 2 years of age, often show an elevated catecholamine response to stress.
Last Updated:
Thursday, January 5, 2017 03:42:02 AM