Specimen Stability (for laboratory use only)
Collection Container
Catecholamine tubes containing EDTA-sodium metabisulfite solution
Service Code:
LBC00202
Collection Instructions:
This test is not the first-tier test for pheochromocytoma, as plasma catecholamine levels may not be continuously elevated. For the recommended first-tier laboratory test for pheochromocytoma, order either: Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, Plasma or Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour Urine. Do not perform this test on patients withdrawing from legal or illegal drugs known to cause rebound plasma catecholamine release during withdrawal.
Patient preparation:
1) Discontinue drugs that release epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine, or hinder their metabolism for at least one week before obtaining the specimen. If this is not possible for medical reasons, contact the laboratory and discuss whether a shorter drug withdrawal period may be possible in a particular case.
2) Unless the purpose of the measurement is drug monitoring, discontinue any epinephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine injections or infusions for at least 12 hours before specimen collection.
3) The patient must refrain from eating, using tobacco, and drinking caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours before the specimen is collected.
Specimen collection:
1) Drawing from an indwelling intravenous (IV) line/catheter/butterfly is required.
2) Insert an indwelling IV catheter. Flush with 3mL of sodium chloride (NaCl), using positive pressure.
3) Have the patient rest for 30 minutes in the supine position in a quiet room.
4) At the end of the 30 minutes, withdraw and discard a minimum of 3mL of blood to remove the saline out of the catheter.
5) If provocative sampling (e.g. standing specimen is required), perform provocative manoeuvre immediately after obtaining supine specimen. Obtain specimen immediately.
7) For each specimen, draw 10mL of blood into the chilled 10mL catecholamine tube containing EDTA-sodium metabisulfite solution.
8) Specimens must remain at refrigerated temperature. Chill specimen immediately after collection, in either crushed ice or an ice pack. The coolant must cover the specimen level in the tube. Send specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, within 30 minutes from collection.
Refer to testing laboratory test catalogue for more information:
https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/8532
Patient preparation:
1) Discontinue drugs that release epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine, or hinder their metabolism for at least one week before obtaining the specimen. If this is not possible for medical reasons, contact the laboratory and discuss whether a shorter drug withdrawal period may be possible in a particular case.
2) Unless the purpose of the measurement is drug monitoring, discontinue any epinephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine injections or infusions for at least 12 hours before specimen collection.
3) The patient must refrain from eating, using tobacco, and drinking caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours before the specimen is collected.
Specimen collection:
1) Drawing from an indwelling intravenous (IV) line/catheter/butterfly is required.
2) Insert an indwelling IV catheter. Flush with 3mL of sodium chloride (NaCl), using positive pressure.
3) Have the patient rest for 30 minutes in the supine position in a quiet room.
4) At the end of the 30 minutes, withdraw and discard a minimum of 3mL of blood to remove the saline out of the catheter.
5) If provocative sampling (e.g. standing specimen is required), perform provocative manoeuvre immediately after obtaining supine specimen. Obtain specimen immediately.
7) For each specimen, draw 10mL of blood into the chilled 10mL catecholamine tube containing EDTA-sodium metabisulfite solution.
8) Specimens must remain at refrigerated temperature. Chill specimen immediately after collection, in either crushed ice or an ice pack. The coolant must cover the specimen level in the tube. Send specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, within 30 minutes from collection.
Refer to testing laboratory test catalogue for more information:
https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/8532
Unacceptable Conditions:
Grossly haemolysed
Specimen Stability:
Ambient
Send specimen to the laboratory immediately
Refrigerate
Frozen
Performance
Turn Around Time:
2 - 5 days
Days Test Performed:
Testing Laboratory:
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester via Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
Clinical & Interpretative
Description:
Methodology:
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Reference Interval:
See laboratory report
Critical Values:
N.A.
