Main content Catecholamines in Urine

    Catecholamines in Urine



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    A test for catecholamines measures the amount of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the urine. The test also usually measures the amounts of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), metanephrine, and normetanephrine.

    Normal

    The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

    Catecholamines in a 24-hour urine sample Reference 1
    Free catecholamines

    Less than 100 Reference micrograms (mcg) Opens New Window or less than 591 Reference nanomoles (nmol) Opens New Window

    Epinephrine

    Less than 20 mcg or less than 109 nmol
    Norepinephrine

    15–80 mcg or 89–473 nmol
    Dopamine

    65–400 mcg or 420–2612 nmol
    Normetanephrine

    105–354 mcg or 573–1933 nmol
    Metanephrine

    74–297 mcg or 375–1506 nmol
    Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

    Less than 9 Reference milligrams (mg) Opens New Window or less than 45 micromoles (mcmol)

    Normal urine values may vary in children depending on their age.

    High values

    • High levels of free catecholamines, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), or metanephrine can mean an adrenal gland tumor (Reference pheochromocytoma Opens New Window) or another type of tumor that makes catecholamines is present.
    • Any major stress, such as burns, a whole-body infection (Reference sepsis), illness, surgery, or traumatic injury, can cause high catecholamine levels.
    • Many blood pressure medicines can also cause high catecholamine levels.

    Low values

    Low values may be caused by Reference diabetes Opens New Window or some Reference nervous system problems Opens New Window.




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference June 20, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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