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Pheochromocytoma Profile Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Pheochromocytoma Profile Test

Short Name: Pheochromocytoma Profile

Also known as: Pheochromocytoma Panel, Catecholamine-Metanephrine Profile, VMA, Metanephrines, Catecholamines and Chromogranin A Profile

Pheochromocytoma Profile Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹13,000. Uses HPLC-EC, TRACE, LC-MS/MS on Plasma and 24-hour urine samples. Results in Reports are available in 2 days after the sample is submitted to the laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Oncology🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

To evaluate for possible pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma by measuring catecholamine production and its metabolites, including plasma free metanephrines, urinary metanephrines, urinary catecholamines, VMA and chromogranin A.

Test Code
3546
Price
₹13,000
Sample Type
Plasma and 24-hour urine
Result Time
Reports are available in 2 days after the sample is submitted to the laboratory.
Fasting Required
No
Method
HPLC-EC, TRACE, LC-MS/MS
Step 1

Sample Collection

For at least 72 hours before and during specimen collection, strictly avoid alpha-one blockers, aminophylline, amphetamines, ampicillin, beta-blockers, ephedrine, imipramine, methyldopa, buspirone, codeine, L-dopa, MAO inhibitors, nicotine, phenacetin, phenothiazines, theophylline, vasodilators, aspirin, PAS, alpha-two agonists, bromocriptine, calcium channel blockers (long-term use), clofibrate, propranolol, penicillin, reserpine, thyroxine, alpha-methyldopa, isoproterenol, labetalol, mandelamine, paracetamol, cimetidine, metoclopramide, vigorous exercise, alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco, chocolate, pepper, vanilla and banana. Do not stop prescribed medications without discussing with your doctor.

Method: Venipuncture and 24-hour urine collection

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Blood sample should be collected into a lavender top EDTA tube. For 24-hour urine collection, use the provided urine container with an appropriate volume of 50% HCl to maintain pH between 1 and 2. Do not use concentrated HCl. Record the 24-hour urine volume on the request form and the urine container.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Specimens should be shipped frozen. Do not thaw. Reports are typically available in 2 days after sample submission.

Timeline: Reports are available in 2 days after the sample is submitted to the laboratory.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Strictly avoid all listed medications, foods, and activities for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Your doctor may adjust or temporarily hold certain medicines.
2
During the Test:The test involves a blood draw and a 24-hour urine collection. Keep the urine specimen cold during collection and freeze it before transport.
3
After the Test:No special recovery is needed after blood collection. Ensure the urine container is frozen and transported as instructed. Your report will be available in 2 days.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To evaluate for possible pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma by measuring catecholamine production and its metabolites, including plasma free metanephrines, urinary metanephrines, urinary catecholamines, VMA and chromogranin A.

How to Prepare

  • Do not use concentrated HCl for urine preservation; use 50% HCl to maintain urine pH between 1 and 2.
  • Collect the complete 24-hour urine volume and record the total volume on the request form and container.
  • For blood, collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) plasma in a lavender top EDTA tube.
  • Freeze the specimen for transport; do not thaw.
  • Follow all medication and dietary restrictions for at least 72 hours before and during collection.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"A positive biochemical profile for pheochromocytoma should be followed by imaging and multidisciplinary evaluation. Pre-operative alpha-blockade is essential before any surgical intervention."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypePlasma and 24-hour urine
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.) plasma and 50 mL (10 mL min.) aliquot of 24-hour urine
ContainerLavender Top EDTA tube and 24-hour urine container with HCl preservative
Collection MethodVenipuncture and 24-hour urine collection

Sample Stability

Room TemperatureNot acceptable
RefrigeratorNot acceptable
Frozen2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Specimen received thawed
  • Incorrect urine pH or missing preservative
  • Incomplete 24-hour urine collection
  • Insufficient sample volume
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Missing 24-hour urine volume documentation

Understanding Your Results

The test results are interpreted in the context of the clinical picture. Elevated levels of metanephrines, catecholamines, VMA, or chromogranin A may suggest a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. However, transient elevation can occur due to medications, stress, or collection errors. Confirmatory evaluation typically includes repeat biochemical testing, imaging, and histopathology. Always review results with your doctor.
Markedly elevated plasma free metanephrines and urinary metanephrines: likely pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma; proceed with imaging and surgical consultation.
Mildly elevated or borderline results: consider drug interference, improper collection, stress, or renal impairment; repeat testing or additional tests such as Chromogranin A may be advised.
Normal profile in a patient with low clinical suspicion: pheochromocytoma is unlikely.
Elevated Chromogranin A alone: nonspecific; may occur in other neuroendocrine tumors and renal impairment; interpret with other findings.
⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Seek urgent medical evaluation if you have paroxysmal hypertension, severe headaches, palpitations, sweating, or hypertensive crises. If you have an adrenal incidentaloma or a genetic syndrome associated with pheochromocytoma, discuss screening with your doctor.

Limitations

  • ⚠False-positive results can occur due to medications, stress, renal impairment, improper collection, or dietary interference.
  • ⚠The test is not diagnostic in isolation; imaging and clinical correlation are required.
  • ⚠Some catecholamine-producing tumors may produce normal results; repeat testing or additional biomarkers may be needed.
  • ⚠Reference ranges differ between laboratories; use the values printed on your report.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Blood draw may cause mild pain, bruising, or rarely infection.
  • ●24-hour urine collection is non-invasive and generally safe.
  • ●Do not stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

Interfering Factors

  • ●Alpha-one blockers
  • ●Aminophylline
  • ●Amphetamines
  • ●Ampicillin
  • ●Beta-blockers
  • ●Ephedrine
  • ●Imipramine
  • ●Methyldopa
  • ●Buspirone
  • ●Codeine
  • ●L-Dopa
  • ●MAO inhibitors
  • ●Nicotine
  • ●Phenacetin
  • ●Phenothiazines
  • ●Theophylline
  • ●Vasodilators
  • ●Aspirin
  • ●PAS
  • ●Alpha-two agonists
  • ●Bromocriptine
  • ●Calcium channel blockers (long-term use)
  • ●Clofibrate
  • ●Propranolol
  • ●Penicillin
  • ●Reserpine
  • ●Thyroxine
  • ●Alpha-methyldopa
  • ●Isoproterenol
  • ●Labetalol
  • ●Mandelamine
  • ●Paracetamol
  • ●Cimetidine
  • ●Metoclopramide
  • ●Vigorous exercise
  • ●Alcoholic beverages
  • ●Tea/coffee
  • ●Tobacco
  • ●Chocolate
  • ●Pepper
  • ●Vanilla
  • ●Banana

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pheochromocytoma Profile Test?
It is a panel of blood and urine tests measuring catecholamines, metanephrines, VMA and chromogranin A to help evaluate for pheochromocytoma.
How much does this test cost at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 13,000, which includes the laboratory test and doctor consultation. Home sample collection is free for online bookings.
What sample is needed for this test?
2 mL plasma from a lavender top EDTA tube and a 50 mL aliquot of 24-hour urine are needed for this test.
Do I need to fast before the test?
Fasting is not required, but you must strictly avoid certain medications, foods, drinks, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and vigorous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during collection.
What should I avoid before this test?
Avoid alpha-one blockers, beta-blockers, stimulants, codeine, L-dopa, MAO inhibitors, paracetamol, labetalol, cimetidine, metoclopramide, alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, chocolate, pepper, vanilla, banana and vigorous exercise, among others listed by DNA Labs India.
What does the test measure?
It measures plasma free metanephrines, urinary metanephrines, urinary catecholamines, VMA and chromogranin A.
How long will my reports take?
Reports are typically available in 2 days after the sample is submitted.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, free home sample collection is available for online bookings in multiple cities across India.
Who may need this test?
People with resistant hypertension, paroxysmal symptoms like headaches, palpitations and sweating, adrenal incidentaloma, family history of pheochromocytoma, or suspected catecholamine-producing tumor may need this test.
Can medications affect the test result?
Yes, many medications and substances can interfere. You must discuss all medications with your doctor before the test.
What if my results are high?
High levels may indicate pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, but the result should be interpreted with imaging and clinical findings by your doctor.
Is this test covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage is not guaranteed; most schemes require case-by-case review. You can check with your insurance provider or DNA Labs India.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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