Norepinephrine, Plasma
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Norepinephrine, Plasma - Plasma norepinephrine is an independent risk factor in patients with chronic congestive heart failure that relates to subsequent mortality. Norepinephrine is useful in evaluating patients with hypertension.
Test Resources
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Test Details
Patient 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: 149-564 pg/mL Upright: 199-937 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
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. 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 room temperature • Received refrigerated
Setup Schedule
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 60 days