Metadrenalines (plasma)

Referred to Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ
 

Alternative names, keywords

Normetadrenaline, metadrenaline, 3-methoxytyramine, metanephrines, normetanephrine

Samples required

● EDTA blood (purple cap/ yellow cap ring, 4 mL tube)

Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Collect blood after 30 min recumbency. Deliver to lab immediately - plasma must be frozen within 2h of venepuncture.

Avoid following drugs 72hrs prior to specimen collection: alpha-methydopa, MAO and COMT inhibitors, hypertension medications at 
discretion of requesting clinician. Avoid bananas, vitamin B supplements, coffee, and methylxanthine-containing foods for 24hrs.

Test indications

For first line investigation of ?phaeochromocytoma please request metadrenalines (urine).

Test information

From November 2024 analysed by LC-MS/MS.

Reference range

Normetanephrine

< 200 ng/L

Metanephrine

< 100 ng/L

3-methoxytyramine

< 30 ng/L

 

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 10 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Referrals)

 

Details