Dopamine

Laboratory assay overview

This test is used for measurement of fractionated catecholamines in plasma.

Labcorp population reference ranges

Labcorp calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.

Laboratory assay overview

This panel may aid in evaluating catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). However, measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are preferred for the initial biochemical evaluation of PPGLs because of their overall high diagnostic sensitivity [1]. Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines and can cause catecholamine excess, resulting in hypertension, arrhythmia, and hyperglycemia. Left untreated, PPGLs often lead to life-threatening cardiovascular complications. The estimated prevalence of PPGLs is 0.05% to 0.1% in adults with hypertension and 1.7% in children with hypertension [2]. Recognizing the possibility of a PPGL and performing appropriate biochemical testing are crucial for the diagnosis [1]. Plasma or urine catecholamine levels may be used, in addition to metanephrine levels, to provide additional information during the initial biochemical evaluation of PPGLs (eg, when detecting dopamine-secreting paragangliomas) [2]. Intermittent or insignificant secretion of catecholamines by some PPGLs may not increase catecholamine measurements. Physiological stress and certain medications (eg, acetaminophen, labetalol, and sotalol) may increase catecholamine measurements [1]. The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings. References 1. Lenders JW, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):1915-1942. 2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines®). Neuroendocrine and Adrenal Tumors. V1.2022. Accessed June 28, 2022. http://www.nccn.org

Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges

Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.

Laboratory assay overview

Clinically, the measurement of circulating catecholamines is valuable in the diagnosis of catecholamine secreting tumors associated chiefly with hypertension (Pheochromocytomas, Neuroblastomas, and Gangliomas) and with the evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension.

Laboratory assay overview

Clinically, the measurement of circulating catecholamines is valuable in the diagnosis of catecholamine secreting tumors associated chiefly with hypertension (Pheochromocytomas, Neuroblastomas, and Gangliomas) and with the evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension.

Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges

Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.

Laboratory assay overview

Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [1]. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) [2]. Neuroblastomas occur predominantly in children and are the most common malignancy under 1 year old. Neuroblastomas are catecholamine-metabolizing tumors, and thus catecholamine metabolites (including VMA and HVA) are more reliable than catecholamines as biochemical markers for neuroblastomas [1]. However, urinary VMA and HVA levels may have limited accuracy for diagnosis of neuroblastomas with high-risk metastatic biology [1]. Because poor prognosis is associated with immaturity of catecholamine metabolism, dopamine levels in urine or blood have been proposed as an additional marker to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [3]. Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, but the relative amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine varies widely. Measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are recommended by the Endocrine Society for the initial biochemical testing of PPGLs [4]. In patients with high clinical suspicion but normal blood pressure and normal levels of metanephrines, measurement of dopamine and its metabolites (HVA and methoxytyramine) may help diagnose PPGLs that predominantly secrete dopamine [2]. The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings. References 1. Eisenhofer G. Monoamine-producing tumors. In: Rifai R, et al. eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier Inc; 2022. 2. Jain A, et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2020;35(4):581-594. 3. Brodeur GM, et al. J Clin Oncol. 1993;11(8):1466-1477. 4. Lenders JW, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):1915-1942

Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges

Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.