Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Metanephrines (Urine)- Random/24hr
Alias or Abbreviation:Mets, Metanephrines, normetanephrine (normetadrenaline), metanephrine (metadrenaline) and 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), catecholamine metabolites.
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189 accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Metanephrines are the major metabolites of catecholamine metabolism. Catecholamines are amine hormones derived from tyrosine and produced by the adrenal glands. Primary catecholamines are dopamine, adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and these are released into circulation during stress, exercise and injury as part of the ‘fight or flight’ response.Catecholamines are metabolised enzymatically to form inactive metabolites which are subsequently excreted by the kidneys and thus can be quantified in the urine. The metabolites routinely measured are 3-methyoxytyramine, metanephrine and normetanephrine which are metabolites of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, respectively.
Urine analysis of metanephrines is used in the diagnosis of catecholamine secreting tumours namely phaeochromocytomas, paragangliomas and neuroblastic disease.
Pathology Laboratory:Manuals Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days.
Sample Type:
24h urine collection with acid preservative (10 mL 25% HCl) or 5 mL aliquot.Random urine samples can be used if 24h collection is not available.
Urine samples should ideally have a pH of 1-2.
Complex Reference Range:Normetanephrine: 0.89 – 2.88 µmol/24h
Metanephrine: 0.33 – 1.53 µmol/24
3-Methoxytyramine: 0.57 – 2.39 µmol/24h
Normetanephrine: 0.89 – 2.88 µmol/24h
Metanephrine: 0.33 – 1.53 µmol/24h3
Methoxytyramine: 0.57 – 2.39 µmol/24h
Collection Conditions / Other Information:False positive results can be caused by high stress states and medications such as methyl-DOPA, dopamine agonists, tricylic antidepressants, alpha and beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Request forms should provide information on: collection start date/time, collection end date/time, collection volume and pH.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:+2°C to +8°C prior to postage.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st Class Post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS Urinary Catecholamines & Metabolites scheme.
Lead Contact Details:Clinical Scientist, Anna Sanders
Email: anna.sanders@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested: Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
