Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

Plasma Catecholamines

Ordering information:

Plasma catecholamines are not routine in the investigation/follow up of phaechromocytoma or paraganglioma. The should only be requested by radiology when localising adrenal catachol secreting tumours through their venous drainage. Use plasma metanephrines with Vannilo-mandelic acid (preferred) or 24 hour urine catecholamines for screening for Phaeochromocytoma.

Alternate names:

Plasma Adrenaline, Plasma Dopamine, Plasma Noradrenaline

Laboratory:

Referred Test

Test Code:

BMISC

Specimen types:

Plasma

Container types:

Lithium heparin no gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Minimum Adult Volume:

2 mL

Frequency:

As required

Result Turnaround Time:

14-21 days

Reference Interval:

Noradrenalin: 1.0-5.0 nmol/L

Adrenalin : 0.0-1.0 nmol/L

Dopamine : 0.0-0.5 nmol/L

Laboratory Use Only

Storage Instructions:

Spin,separate and freeze plasma.

Transport Instructions:

Transport sample frozen.

External Laboratory:

Austin Pathology

External Laboratory details...