Methodology
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)
Synonyms
Catecholamines, Free,Dopamine,Epinephrine,Noradrenalin,Adrenaline,Norepinephrine
Specimen Type
Plasma
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB01160
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
2-5 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
2-4 mL Blood
Container Type
Dark Green (Sodium Heparin)
Collection Instructions
Draw specimen in a pre-chilled green-top vacutainer. After drawing specimen, place green-top tube on ice. 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. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection. Overnight fasting is preferred. EDTA (lavender-top) tube is also acceptable.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Frozen-Only
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 6 Hours; Refrigerated: 6 Hours; Frozen: 30 Days
Rejection Criteria
Thawed Plasma; Received room temperature; Received refrigerated
Test Volume Required
2 mL Plasma
Minimum Test Volume
1 mL Plasma
Processing Instructions
Centrifuge 20 minutes 1000xg. The plasma must be free of RBCs. Freeze immediately.
Included Tests
Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Total Catecholamines (calculated)
CPT Codes
82384
Revised
6/22/26
Initials
IM