What is a Catecholamine Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What are catecholamines?
Catecholamines are basically hormones which are present in the brain, nerve tissues, and adrenal glands. These are released into the body when the body needs them in response to physical or emotional stress.
Also Read: adrenaline/epinephrine serum test
What are the types of catecholamines?
The three main types of catecholamines are:
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine
What are the functions of catecholamines?
Catecholamine acts as a neurotransmitter in the body. These are produced in the brain, nerve tissues, and adrenal glands.
Dopamine –
This neurotransmitter sends signals to the nervous system and it helps regulate the following:
- Movement
- Emotions
- Memory
- Brain’s reward mechanism
The normal range of dopamine is 0–30pg/mL
Adrenaline, or epinephrine –
Adrenaline hormone is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response in the body. The body releases adrenaline when a person experiences stress to allow increased blood flow to the muscles, heart, and lungs.
The normal range of epinephrine is 0–140pg/mL
Noradrenaline, or norepinephrine –
It helps the body respond to stress. It regulates the mood and the ability to concentrate.
The normal range of norepinephrine is 70-170pg/mL
What are catecholamines tests?
This test measures the amount of catecholamines hormone in urine or blood.
Why they are used for?
It is used to diagnose or rule out certain types of rare tumours. These include:
- Adrenal gland tumour (Pheochromocytoma)
- Neuroblastoma – develops from nerve tissue
- Paraganglioma – develops near the adrenal glands
Why is it done?
This test is needed when you have a symptoms of tumour that affects the catecholamine levels.
The symptoms in adults are:
- Severe headache
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
The symptoms in children are:
- Pain in bones
- Feels tenderness in the bones
- An abnormal lump in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Uncontrolled eye movements
What is a 24-hour urine catecholamine test?
A urine test is done to measure the total amount of catecholamine in urine over a 24-hour period. In urine tests, readings are more accurate than a blood test. The catecholamine blood levels can change very quickly and it affects by the stress of testing.
A catecholamine urine test:
Healthcare will ask you to collect all urine during a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine test. Test instructions:
- Empty the bladder in the morning and flush that urine away.
- Record the time
- Save all urine passed in the container for the next 24 hour
- Store the urine container in a cool place or in the refrigerator
- Return that sample container to the healthcare or laboratory.
Total urine catecholamines: 14 to 110 mcg/24 hours
What does a high catecholamine mean?
If the levels are high then you may have a pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or paraganglioma tumour. High levels of catecholamine don’t mean that you have always a tumour. These hormones can be affected by stress, caffeine, vigorous exercise, smoking and alcohol.
