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Norepinephrine, Plasma
Test Code37562
CPT Codes
82542
Preferred Specimen
2 mL plasma collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
EDTA (lavender-top) tube
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 Vacutainer®. 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.
Draw specimen in a pre-chilled green-top Vacutainer®. 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 Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 60 days
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 60 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Received room temperature • Received refrigerated
Methodology
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Fri; Report Available: 3-6 days
Limitations
False-positive results have been observed in patients with either chronic kidney disease and hypertension.
Clinical Significance
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.