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CATECHOLAMINES, PLASMA
Number 292
CPT Code 82384
Alias PLASMA CATECHOLAMINES, ADRENALIN, NORADRENALINE
Specimen Container Lavender Top
Specimen Type Plasma ETDA
Turn Around Time 
Days Performed 
Reference Range Contact Laboratory
Alternate Specimen 
Volume 2 mL Plasma
Stability Ambient N/A
Stability Refrigerated N/A
Stability Frozen Preferred
Patient Preparation 

Patient should be fasting for four or more hours without smoking. Walnuts, bananas, and a-methyldopa (Aldomet) should be avoided for a week prior to specimen collection. Other drug interference may occur, including epinephrine and epinephrine-like drugs (eg, nosedrops, sinus and cough preparations, bronchodilators, appetite suppressants). Test is unreliable in subjects on levodopa or methenamine mandelate. Avoid patient stress.2 See Limitations. An indwelling heparinized venous catheter is advocated, since venipuncture can cause an increase in the substances for which testing is being done. Patient should remain supine in quiet surroundings for at least 30 minutes.

Methodology 

High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Limitations 
Rejection Criteria 

Incorrect specimen; plasma not frozen; inadequate patient preparation

Additional Instructions 
Performing Laboratory Reference Laboratory
TagsPLASMA, CATECHOLAMINES, EPINEPHRINE, NOREPINEPHRINE, DOPAMINE, ADRENALINE