Epinephrine, Plasma
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Epinephrine, Plasma - This test, when used in conjunction with the measurements of other catecholamines, may aid in evaluating catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). However, measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are preferred for the initial biochemical evaluation of PPGLs because of their overall high diagnostic sensitivity [1].
Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines and can cause catecholamine excess, resulting in hypertension, arrhythmia, and hyperglycemia. Left untreated, PPGLs often lead to life-threatening ...
Test Resources
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Test Details
Patients should be relaxed in either a supine or upright position before blood is drawn. States of anxiety and stress can cause fluctuations in the catecholamine levels. Patients should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
| <18 years | No Reference Range Available |
| ≥18 years | Supine: <58 pg/mL Upright: <82 pg/mL |
Preferred Specimen(s)
2 mL frozen plasma collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Alternative Specimen(s)
Frozen plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Collection Instructions
Draw specimen in a pre-chilled green-top tube. Plasma should be separated in a refrigerated centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection and then frozen immediately at -20° C in plastic vials. Each specimen will be invoiced separately.
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 60 days
Reject Criteria
Received thawed • Received room temperature • Received refrigerated
Setup Schedule
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 60 days