Specimen

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Adult minimum: 2.5 mL plasma from lavender top (EDTA) tube
Pediatric minimum: 1.1 mL plasma from lavender top (EDTA) tube

Analytic Time:

1 week

Reference Range:

METANEPHRINE, FREE
<0.50 nmol/L

NORMETANEPHRINE, FREE
<0.90 nmol/L

Comments:

Patients should be relaxed in either a supine or upright position 
before blood is drawn. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, 
tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection. Overnight fasting 
is preferred.

Test
Limitations:

Proper interpretation of results requires awareness of recent 
medication/drug history (e.g., antihypertensive agents, alcohol, 
cocaine) and other pre-analytical factors (e.g., stress, severe 
congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction) that influence release 
of catecholamines and metanephrines.

Methodology:

High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Electrochemical Detection

CPT Code:

83835

See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery