Methodology
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)
Synonyms
Catecholamines, Free,Dopamine,Epinephrine,Adrenaline,Norepinephrine,Noradrenaline
Specimen Type
Urine, Timed Collection
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB01159
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
3-4 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
1 mL 24 Hour Urine
Container Type
24-Hour Urine Container
Collection Instructions
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 and strenuous exercise prior to collection. specimen must be stored refrigerated during collection
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Frozen-Only
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 Days; Frozen: 60 Days (preferred)
Rejection Criteria
Preserved urine received refrigerated with pH >3, Unpreserved urine received frozen with pH >6
Test Volume Required
1 mL 24 Hour Urine
Minimum Test Volume
0.7 mL 24 Hour Urine
Processing Instructions
Urine without preservative is acceptable if pH is below 6 and the sample is shipped frozen. It is acceptable to adjust pH to be <3 after 24 hour urine has been aliquoted. Indicate total volume and pH in comments, on specimen and on batch sheet.
Included Tests
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Calculated Total (E+NE), Dopamine, and Creatinine
Comments
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 urine container.
CPT Codes
82384, 82570
Revised
6/10/26
Initials
IM