Catecholamine Urine
CAU
Description
"Catecholamine Urine" test measures stress-related hormones excreted in urine over 24 hours to assess adrenal function. Doctors often recommend it when symptoms like persistent high blood pressure, sweating, or palpitations appear. Elevated levels may indicate pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or chronic stress. This test offers a more complete hormonal profile than a single blood draw. Results guide diagnosis and support treatment planning for adrenal or nervous system disorders, helping manage hormone levels and reduce related complications.
Category
Hormones, Breakdown Byproducts
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Urine
Units
Milligrams Per 24 Hours
Procedure Category
Collect, Measure
Test Group
Hormone Health Group
Test Group Description
Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Dopamine: 200.00–300.00 mg/24-hrs | Epinephrine: < 15.00 mg/24-hrs | Metanephrine: 50.00–80.00 mg/24-hrs | Norepinephrine: 20.00–70.00 mg/24-hrs | Normetanephrine: 100.00–300.00 mg/24-hrs | Total Urine Catecholamines: 50.00–90.00 mg/24-hrs | VMA: 2.00–6.00 mg/24-hrs
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Dopamine: 65.00–400.00 mg/24-hrs | Epinephrine: 0.50–20.00 mg/24-hrs | Metanephrine: 24.00–96.00 mg/24-hrs | Norepinephrine: 15.00–80.00 mg/24-hrs | Normetanephrine: 75.00–375.00 mg/24-hrs | Total Urine Catecholamines: 14.00–110.00 mg/24-hrs | VMA: 2.00–7.00 mg/24-hrs
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Ganglioblastoma (a rare type of brain tumor that originates from neural crest cells)
Ganglioneuroma (a benign tumor derived from neural crest cells found in the sympathetic nervous system)
Neuroblastoma (a type of cancer that forms in nerve tissue)
Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that produces excess adrenaline and noradrenaline)
Severe stress
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma: Identifies rare adrenal tumors through elevated catecholamines in urine, linked to high blood pressure and related symptoms.
Assessment of Hypertensive Crisis: Detects sudden blood pressure spikes caused by hormone surges, guiding treatment decisions.
Evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension: Examines urine catecholamine levels to investigate blood pressure drops when standing, caused by insufficient hormone release.
Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors: Helps detect tumors such as paragangliomas or neuroblastomas through elevated catecholamine excretion.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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