Catecholamines without Creatinine Urine Test, Fractionated, 24-Hour

This test measures the levels of catecholamines in your urine.

Catecholamines are hormones made by your adrenal glands. They are released when you have physical or emotional stress. These hormones include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They do many things in your body. They send nerve impulses in your brain, narrow blood vessels, and raise your heart rate.

High levels of catecholamines in urine can indicate a rare type of tumor called a pheochromocytoma.

You may need this test if your healthcare provider thinks you have a pheochromocytoma tumor.  Signs and symptoms may include:

• Headaches

• Sweating

• Rapid heart rate

• Difficulty breathing

• Panic attack

• High blood pressure

Not everyone with this type of tumor has high blood pressure. Up to 15% of people with this type of tumor have normal blood pressure.

Other symptoms include heart palpitations, weakness, and symptoms similar to those of a panic attack. Less common symptoms include blurry vision and weight loss.

You might also have this test if you have high blood pressure that doesn't get better with other treatment.

Certain medicines can affect your results. These include tricyclic antidepressants and cold and allergy medicines.

These foods can also affect your results:

• Coffee, including decaffeinated coffee

• Tea

• Chocolate

• Vanilla, including foods and beverages that contain vanilla

• Bananas

• Oranges and other citrus fruits

• Walnuts

• Avocados

• Fava beans

• Cheese

• Beer and red wine

• Licorice 

Having your period on the day of the test can also affect your results.

You should avoid the foods listed in the above section before and during the test. Try to avoid stressful situations, vigorous exercise, and getting cold before the test. Don't use tobacco before the test. If you have your period on the day of the test, tell the lab person doing the collection.