Biomarkers · Chemical
A plain-language description with its source has not been added for this biomarker yet. What the laboratories say about the tests that measure it is below.
What the laboratory says this test is for
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 test directory, test code 16382
What the laboratory says this test is for
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 with limited ability to store and secrete catecholamines. 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 amounts of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine vary 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.References1. 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 test directory, test code 14763
What the laboratory says this test is for
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.References1. 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 test directory, test code 314
What the laboratory says this test is for
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]. To adjust for the concentration differences in random urine specimens, results are expressed as catecholamine to creatinine ratios.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.References1. 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 test directory, test code 5244
What the laboratory says this test is for
The three catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) are the principal secretory products of neural tissue. 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 test directory, test code 39627
What the laboratory says this test is for
The three catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) are the principal secretory products of neural tissue. 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 test directory, test code 318
What the laboratory says this test is for
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 test directory, test code 16381
Everything above is drawn from the named sources and shown as they published it. Reference ranges belong to the laboratory that issued them and the population it named; they are not a universal normal. This page describes the biomarker in general and does not interpret anyone's result. For your own numbers, talk to a clinician, or use Aumnivida, which reads the same graph next to your records.
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