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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Catecholamines, Fractionated and VMA, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine
Test Code39626
CPT Codes
82384, 82570, 84585
Includes
Catecholamines, 24 Hour Urine w/Creatinine
VMA, 24-Hour Urine w/ Creatinine (performed at SJC)
VMA, 24-Hour Urine w/ Creatinine (performed at SJC)
Preferred Specimen
20 mL aliquot from a 24-hour urine that has been preserved with 25 mL 6N HCl, collected in a plastic 24-hour urine container
Patient Preparation
It is preferable for the patient to be off medications for three days prior to collection. However, common antihypertensives (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta blockers) cause minimal or no interference. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco (including use of nicotine patch), bananas, citrus fruits and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Minimum Volume
10 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Aliquot from a 24-hour urine, unpreserved with a pH ≤6, collected in a plastic 24-hour urine container
Instructions
Collect 24-hour urine with 25 mL of 6N HCl to maintain a pH ≤3. If no preservative is used, specimen must be stored refrigerated during collection but shipped frozen and pH must be ≤6.
Record 24-hour urine volume and patient's age on test request form and on urine container.
Record 24-hour urine volume and patient's age on test request form and on urine container.
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Preserved urine
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 49 days
Unpreserved urine
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 49 days
Unpreserved urine
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Preserved urine received refrigerated with pH > 3 • Unpreserved urine received frozen with pH > 6
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-4 days
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Clinical Significance
Catecholamines include the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Catecholamines, along with VMA, are produced in chromaffin cell tumors, pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroma, and neuroblastoma. Symptoms of pheochromocytomas include episodic hypertension, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, and anxiety.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153