Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for 10-12 hours is required before this test. You should also avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
- Turnaround: 4-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the amount of dopamine circulating in your plasma. Dopamine is a catecholamine hormone that also functions as a neurotransmitter, playing a role in reward-motivated behavior, motor control, and the regulation of other hormone release.
Your adrenal glands can produce elevated amounts of catecholamines like dopamine in response to stress, and levels typically rise during and after stressful situations. In rare cases, tumors called pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas can cause your body to produce excess amounts of these hormones. This test reports plasma dopamine directly, as a quantitative measurement.
Benefits
- Measures circulating plasma dopamine levels directly.
- Supports evaluation of symptoms linked to catecholamine excess.
- Convenient blood sample collection at a local lab.
- Straightforward preparation instructions to follow before testing.
- Results delivered online for easy access.
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained hypertension or severe headaches.
- Individuals with recurring heart palpitations.
- People noticing excessive or unexplained sweating.
- Individuals experiencing unexplained nausea or anxiety.
- People with tingling sensations in the hands or feet.
- Anyone whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate catecholamine levels.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this hormone test?
This test measures the amount of dopamine present in your plasma. Dopamine is a catecholamine hormone involved in reward-motivated behavior, motor control, and hormone regulation. Measuring plasma dopamine may help a healthcare provider evaluate symptoms that could be associated with elevated catecholamine levels. This test does not diagnose any condition on its own.
2. Who may benefit from this test?
This test may be appropriate for people experiencing symptoms such as hypertension with severe headaches, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, anxiety, or tingling in the hands and feet. It may also be considered when a healthcare provider wants to evaluate plasma dopamine levels as part of a broader clinical picture. This test does not replace a full medical evaluation.
3. How does this test differ from other hormone tests?
Unlike tests that measure other catecholamines or related metabolites, this test is limited to plasma dopamine at the time of collection. It does not measure other catecholamines, hormone metabolites like homovanillic acid (HVA), or any other hormones or analytes, and should not be treated as interchangeable with those tests.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for 10-12 hours is required before this test. You should also avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4-7 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your plasma dopamine result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, and overall clinical context. Because dopamine levels can rise during and after stressful circumstances, your healthcare provider will consider your specific situation when reviewing your result. An elevated or normal result on its own does not confirm or rule out a hormonal condition.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside the expected range, review them with a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether any additional evaluation may be appropriate.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual symptoms and health needs.
Pre test preparation
Fasting for 10-12 hours is required before this test. You should also avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
