Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (plasma)
- Fasting: 10–12 hours
- Turn-around: 6-8 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- No doctor's referral required - order conveniently online and schedule at local draw sites
- Early tumor detection - identify rare catecholamine-secreting tumors before complications develop
- Confidential results - receive reports discreetly for self-directed health monitoring
- High accuracy testing - advanced LC-MS/MS methodology provides over 95% sensitivity and specificity
- Comprehensive evaluation - assess unexplained hypertension, palpitations, and neurological symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained high blood pressure or episodic headaches
- People with persistent heart palpitations, sweating, or anxiety episodes
- Those with family history of adrenal tumors or pheochromocytoma
- Patients monitoring treatment effectiveness for catecholamine-secreting tumors
- Anyone investigating symptoms of autonomic dysfunction or neurological disorders
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - no appointment needed, complete preparation instructions provided
- Visit local lab - quick blood draw at convenient collection center near you
- Get results - findings delivered confidentially within 6-8 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Dopamine concentration in blood plasma to detect abnormal levels that may indicate catecholamine-secreting tumors.
Do I need to fast before testing? Yes, fast for 10-12 hours and avoid caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, bananas, and citrus for 2-3 days.
What symptoms suggest I need this test? Unexplained hypertension, severe headaches, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, or anxiety episodes.
How accurate are the results? Plasma catecholamine tests have over 95% sensitivity and specificity when used with proper preparation (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025).
Can medications affect my results? Yes, many medications can influence dopamine levels - discuss all prescriptions with your provider before testing.
What happens if my levels are high? Elevated results warrant further evaluation including imaging studies and possible endocrinologist referral.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Dopamine Blood Test measures dopamine concentration in blood plasma to detect catecholamine-secreting tumors like pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. Dopamine belongs to the catecholamine group and is produced by nerve tissues, brain, and adrenal glands. This test helps diagnose rare tumors that can cause dangerous symptoms and provides critical information for monitoring neurological or autonomic conditions (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing symptoms of excessive catecholamine production benefit most from this test. This includes people with unexplained hypertension, persistent headaches, heart palpitations, or episodic sweating and anxiety. Those with family history of adrenal tumors or patients under treatment monitoring for catecholamine-secreting conditions should also consider testing. The test is valuable for health-conscious consumers seeking proactive screening without requiring a doctor's appointment (MedlinePlus 2024).
When should I order a Dopamine Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience unexplained high blood pressure, severe episodic headaches, or persistent heart palpitations. Consider testing if you have family history of pheochromocytoma or related adrenal tumors. The test is also recommended following abnormal initial screenings or when monitoring treatment effectiveness for diagnosed catecholamine-secreting conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen (UCLA Health 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Dopamine Level: 0–30 pg/mL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: No immediate action needed
Dopamine Level: 31–50 pg/mL
- What it means: Mildly elevated
- Typical action: Review diet, medications, stress factors
Dopamine Level: Above 50 pg/mL
- What it means: Significantly elevated
- Typical action: Further testing, imaging studies recommended
Normal dopamine levels can vary slightly between laboratories, so always compare your results to the reference range provided with your specific test.
Higher levels may indicate tumor presence, stress response, or be influenced by medications and diet. All results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider who can consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings for accurate diagnosis (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025).
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.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 10-12 hours before blood collection and avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, bananas, chocolate, citrus fruits, and vanilla for at least 2-3 days prior to testing. Discuss all medications with your healthcare provider as some may need to be temporarily discontinued. Avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations before sample collection as these can artificially elevate catecholamine levels (Columbia Doctors 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: As needed based on symptoms
- Monitoring known tumors: Every 3–6 months or as directed
- Post-treatment follow-up: Annually or per physician guidance
- Family history risk: Every 2–3 years after age 40
Why early detection matters
Early detection of catecholamine-secreting tumors dramatically improves outcomes, with surgical cure rates exceeding 90% for isolated pheochromocytoma. Delayed diagnosis increases hypertensive crisis risk by 58%, making timely testing crucial. Only 1-2 cases per million people annually develop pheochromocytoma, but early identification prevents life-threatening complications (UCLA Health 2024, MedlinePlus 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Metanephrines, Fractionated Urine Test, 24-Hour - Measure the amount of metanephrines in your urine made over a 24-hour period.
Organic Acids Test - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit- Measures 76 different analytes from a simple urine sample to help identify imbalances in your body, such as gut health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic problems.
Catecholamines without Creatinine Urine Test, Fractionated, 24-Hour - Useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and its differentiation from essential hypertension.
