Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Norepinephrine, Dopamine) in urine

Catecholamines are a group of hormones that your adrenal glands release in response to physical or emotional stress. These hormones include adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and dopamine. After your body uses these hormones, the remaining waste is eliminated through urine. Urine catecholamine analysis is a type of biochemical urine test used to measure the levels of these hormones.

Function of catecholamines

Catecholamines enter the bloodstream to trigger your body’s response to stress, known as the fight or flight response. This natural stress response involves:

• Releasing adrenaline for extra energy
• Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
• Enhancing mental alertness
• Increasing blood flow to muscles and brain

Why is this analysis needed?

Abnormally high levels of catecholamines can be a sign of rare adrenal gland tumors, such as neuroblastoma, paraganglioma, and pheochromocytoma. Healthcare professionals recommend this analysis if you have symptoms of an adrenal tumor or if someone in your family has suffered from it. Symptoms of the tumor may include:

• Anxiety
• High blood pressure that does not respond to standard therapies
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe headaches
• Tingling in the hands and feet

How is the urine catecholamine analysis performed?

The test involves collecting all the urine you excrete over a 24-hour period. Careful preparation is essential. Catecholamine levels in your body are sensitive to physical activity, intense emotions, certain foods, and medications. Eliminating as many of these factors as possible before the test improves accuracy.

Preparation for the test

You should stop exercising a few days before the test. During this time, you should stay as calm and relaxed as possible. Also, you should avoid certain foods and drinks.

Results of urine catecholamine analysis

It is normal to have some catecholamines in your urine. Low levels are not a cause for concern. On the other hand, if catecholamine levels are high, you may have a rare adrenal tumor. However, these results alone are not sufficient for a diagnosis. Your doctor may request that testing be repeated to determine if the results are accurate. Additionally, you may be asked to undergo further tests and analyses, such as a biopsy, to confirm or rule out a tumor.

The results are expressed in micrograms per 24 hours (mcg/24 hours). In this context, normal results are:

Norepinephrine: less than 100 mcg/24 hours
Adrenaline: 0 to 20 mcg/24 hours
Dopamine: 65 to 400 mcg/24 hours
Normetanephrine: 105 to 354 mcg/24 hours, or metanephrine: 74 to 297 mcg/24 hours
Total catecholamines: less than 100 mcg/24 hours

Higher levels of these hormones may indicate that you have a pheochromocytoma tumor.

Impact on test results

Certain medications and foods can affect the results of your test. Medications that can affect the outcome include acetaminophen, amphetamines, cold and sinus medications, depression medications, diuretics, insulin, lithium, tetracycline, and vasodilators.

Other substances that can affect your results include alcohol, cocaine, and tobacco. Also, certain foods may require repeating the analysis, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, oranges, and other citrus fruits, and even nuts, avocados, berries, cheese, beer, and red wine.

Where can the analysis be done?

This urine analysis can be performed at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade. The test is sensitive to small changes in hormone levels, so it is important to follow all preparation instructions. If you have high levels of catecholamines, it does not necessarily mean that you have a tumor. Your doctor will, if necessary, perform additional testing to confirm or exclude a diagnosis.

For more information on urine catecholamine analysis, please contact us or visit our laboratory. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and reliable results so you can take the best steps for your health.

Notes

As mentioned, your doctor may also request other tests, including blood tests, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging of your abdomen and pelvis. You may be asked to stop taking tricyclic antidepressants at least 2 weeks before the test. However, never stop taking medications abruptly before talking to your doctor. Also, there is a possibility that instead of completely stopping these medications, your dosage will be reduced.

Avoid all mentioned foods a few days before or during the test. Try to avoid stressful situations. Do not exercise intensively or expose yourself to cold before the test. Do not use tobacco before the test. If you have menstruation on the day of testing, inform the laboratory technician who is collecting the sample. Do not forget to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before undergoing the catecholamine analysis in urine. This includes prescription medications as well as illicit narcotics.