Catecholamines Plasma Test
Also known as: Plasma Catecholamines Test, Catecholamine Blood Test
Catecholamines Plasma Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹10,500. Uses High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on Plasma (from Sodium Heparin or EDTA tubes) samples. Results in 1 week. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR
Consultant Physician · Reg: 8052
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To measure the levels of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like pheochromocytoma and other catecholamine-secreting tumors.
- Test Code
- 11
- Price
- ₹10,500
- Sample Type
- Plasma (from Sodium Heparin or EDTA tubes)
- Result Time
- 1 week
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Sample Collection
Avoid certain medications, vigorous exercise, severe stress, and smoking for at least 72 hours before the test. Consult your doctor for specific instructions.
Method: Venous blood draw
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be placed in chilled tubes and processed immediately.
Report Delivery
Apply pressure to the puncture site to stop bleeding. Resume normal activities, but follow any additional instructions from your doctor.
Timeline: 1 week
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To measure the levels of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like pheochromocytoma and other catecholamine-secreting tumors.
How to Prepare
- Patient should be at rest for 30 minutes after insertion of an IV cannula
- Collect specimen with patient supine
- Immerse specimen immediately in ice water
- Separate plasma within 10 minutes using a cold centrifuge
- Transfer plasma into a sterile screw-capped vial and freeze immediately
- Ship frozen, do not thaw
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052
"This test is crucial for diagnosing catecholamine-secreting tumors like pheochromocytoma, which can lead to life-threatening hypertension if untreated."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improper sample handling
- Thawed sample
- Insufficient sample volume
Understanding Your Results
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
If you experience symptoms like persistent high blood pressure, anxiety, or headaches, or if your test results are abnormal, consult an endocrinologist.
Limitations
- ⚠Results may be affected by recent stress or medication use
- ⚠Does not specify the exact cause of elevated catecholamines without further testing
Risks & Considerations
- ●Pain or bruising at the blood draw site
- ●Dizziness or fainting
- ●Rarely, infection
Interfering Factors
- ●Aldomet (Alpha methyldopa)
- ●Labetalol
- ●Isoproterenol
- ●Beta-blockers
- ●Amphetamines
- ●Nicotine
- ●Vigorous exercise
- ●Severe stress
- ●Cigarette smoking
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Catecholamines Plasma Test | Urine Catecholamines Test | Metanephrines Plasma Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Catecholamines Plasma Test | Measures catecholamines in urine over 24 hours, may be more convenient for some patients | More specific for pheochromocytoma diagnosis, often used as a first-line test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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