Catecholamines and their metabolites
Laboratory Tests
estimated about CNY 500-1000
(estimated about USD 70-150)
30 min
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Description
Catecholamines and their metabolites testing helps diagnose pheochromocytoma or neuroendocrine tumors when patients have hypertension, palpitations, or sweating episodes; costs ¥70–150 at partner hospitals in China, with ChinaMedicalHub assisting with booking and interpreter support.
Main Uses
The main clinical uses of testing catecholamines and their metabolites are to diagnose and monitor conditions associated with excessive production of these substances, such as pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and neuroblastoma. It is also used to evaluate hypertension that may be caused by these tumors, and to assess the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.
Normal Range
The normal range for catecholamines and their metabolites (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine) in a 24-hour urine test is: Epinephrine: 0-20 mcg/24h, Norepinephrine: 8-65 mcg/24h, Dopamine: 65-400 mcg/24h, Metanephrine: 14-79 mcg/24h, Normetanephrine: 75-375 mcg/24h. Blood plasma levels are: Epinephrine: 0-100 pg/mL, Norepinephrine: 0-600 pg/mL, Dopamine: 0-30 pg/mL.
Low Values - Possible Causes
Possible causes of low values include: Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, autonomic neuropathy, or the use of certain medications such as alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers.
High Values - Possible Causes
Possible causes of high values include: pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, neuroblastoma, stress, intense exercise, or the use of certain medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or sympathomimetics.