Quick Facts
- Sample: 24-hour urine collection (acidified, refrigerated)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 8-10 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of rare adrenal tumors before life-threatening complications develop
- No doctor referral needed - order directly and take control of your health
- Highly accurate testing using advanced LC/MS-MS technology for precise results
- Private collection at home with simple preservation instructions
- Cost-effective screening that could prevent thousands in emergency medical costs
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained high blood pressure or hypertensive episodes
- People experiencing frequent headaches, sweating, and heart palpitations together
- Those with suspicious adrenal masses found on imaging studies
- Adults monitoring previously diagnosed pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma
- Health-conscious individuals with family history of adrenal tumors
- Anyone seeking proactive screening for catecholamine-secreting conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your test online and receive a specialized collection container with acid preservative
- Collect all urine for 24 hours starting after your first morning void, keeping refrigerated
- Return your sample promptly to the lab and access results securely online
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures metanephrines—breakdown products of stress hormones (catecholamines) that can indicate rare adrenal tumors.
Will medications affect my results? Yes, certain blood pressure medications and antidepressants can interfere. Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and tea for 3 days before testing.
How accurate is this test? Urine fractionated metanephrines have 90-97% sensitivity and 85-95% specificity for detecting pheochromocytoma (Endocrine Society 2023).
What if my results are elevated? Elevated levels suggest possible catecholamine-secreting tumors and require prompt physician consultation for further imaging and evaluation.
Can stress affect my test results? Physical or emotional stress can temporarily raise catecholamine levels, so collect urine during a relatively calm period when possible.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test screens for and helps diagnose pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma—rare tumors that secrete excess catecholamines (stress hormones). By measuring metanephrines (breakdown products of epinephrine and norepinephrine) excreted over 24 hours, the test can detect these potentially dangerous tumors before they cause hypertensive crises or cardiovascular complications (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained hypertension, especially if accompanied by the classic triad of headaches, sweating, and palpitations. It's also recommended for patients with incidentally discovered adrenal masses, those with family history of hereditary syndromes associated with pheochromocytoma, and anyone with symptoms suggestive of catecholamine excess (Cleveland Clinic 2024).
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering if you experience paroxysmal (episodic) or sustained high blood pressure that's difficult to control, recurrent headaches with sweating and rapid heartbeat, or if imaging studies have revealed an adrenal or extra-adrenal mass. The test is also appropriate for monitoring previously treated catecholamine-secreting tumors (NIH 2022).
How do I interpret the results?
Normal
- What it means: No evidence of catecholamine-secreting tumor
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring; discuss symptoms with physician
Mildly elevated
- What it means: May indicate stress, medications, or improper collection
- Typical action: Repeat test with proper preparation; review medications
Significantly elevated
- What it means: Strong suggestion of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
- Typical action: Urgent physician consultation and imaging studies required
Pheochromocytoma affects less than 1 in 100,000 people annually, but up to 0.2% of hypertensive patients may have an underlying catecholamine-secreting tumor.
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
Discontinue tricyclic antidepressants, labetalol, sotalol, and alpha-blockers 3-7 days before testing if medically safe. Avoid caffeine, tea, coffee, and tobacco for 3 days prior to collection. Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping any medications. Collect urine during periods of relative calm to minimize stress-related elevations (AACC 2022).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, with repeat if borderline results
- Post-surgical monitoring: Annually for 10 years, then as clinically indicated
- High-risk genetic syndromes: Annually or as recommended by specialist
- Stable, normal results: Only if new symptoms develop
Why early detection matters
Undiagnosed pheochromocytoma can cause life-threatening hypertensive crises, stroke, heart attack, and sudden death. Early detection prevents these cardiovascular complications and can reduce hospital costs by thousands of dollars per patient. With timely diagnosis and treatment, most patients achieve excellent outcomes and normal life expectancy (Endocrine Society 2023).
Related tests you may consider
Catecholamines without Creatinine Urine Test, Fractionated, 24-Hour - Useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and its differentiation from essential hypertension.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
NeuroHormone Complete Profile, Saliva and Urine - Doctor's Data Kit - Measures hormone and neurotransmitter levels in the body to detect a hormone imbalance and assesses the risk of developing hormone-sensitive cancers.
