Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog
CATECHOLAMINES, FRACTIONATED, PLASMA
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB1954 Geisinger Epic ID: 14851Plasma
2 mL plasma; minimum 1 mL. Please submit a separate frozen aliquot for this test. It may not be combined with any other test requiring a frozen aliquot.
After drawing specimen, place tube in ice bath. Centrifuge immediately for 20 Minutes 1000 xg. The plasma must be free of RBC'S. Aliquot and freeze on dry ice to transport.
Patients should be relaxed in either a supine or upright position before blood is drawn. States of anxiety and stress can cause fluctuations in the catecholamine levels. Draw specimen in pre-chilled green-top vacutainers. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection. Overnight fasting is preferred.
Separate plasma in a refrigerated centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection. Transfer plasma to clean, plastic, screw-capped vial(s), freeze immediately, and ship frozen. Do not thaw.
Frozen.
Room Temperature: 6 hours. Refrigerated: 6 hours. Frozen: 1 month.
Specimens received refrigerated or room temperature.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Total Catecholamines (calculated).
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Quest test code 314x, CATFRA
The three catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) are the principal secretory products of neural tissue. Clinically, the measurement of circulating catecholamines is valuable in the diagnosis of catecholamine secreting tumors associated chiefly with hypertension (pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, and gangliomas) and with the evaluation of orthostatic hypotension.