Question 1

should the urine tests still be performed even though the plasma free metanephrine has been done?

Accepted Answer

Often no: The plasma has more sensitive and more specific and generally adequate (better) in most situations.  It would depend if the doctor is more worried about a false positive (finding pheochromcystoma you really don't have), or more worried about false negative (missing the disease when you really have it).  Your doctor would decide based on your symptoms which is the bigger worry /risk.

Question 2

what does a low metanephrine count mean in a 24 hour urine test?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: We're only concerned if it's high. Reference ranges are set so that a few percent of healthies fall outside on either side.

Question 3

why do i have to refrain from tobacco for catecholamines and metanephrine urine test?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine...: Tobacco contains nicotine.  Nicotine gives the body its kick because it stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline.  Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is a catecholamine.  If you use tobacco, the test may return as a false positive.

Question 4

what does it mean if my metanephrines  total (244) and nor/epinephrines totals (107)  are elevated in my urine? i just got an email from the lab that ran these tests.

Accepted Answer

Warrants followup: Most common reason urine metanephrines &amp; catecholamines are checked is suspicion for pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor. For high levels not in pheo range (=norepi &gt;170mcg/day epi &gt;35/day,metanephrine&gt;400/day), suspicion depends on risks; followup w doc is important.Some folks have higher levels normally, or are on meds interfering(TCAs, decongestants, amphetamines, antipsychotics,other)

Question 5

my metanephrine free urine was 51, blood test was 63, normetanephrine free urine 181, blood test 150- total urine 232, blood test 213. normal?

Accepted Answer

Sounds normal if....: the upper limits for blood metanephrine and normetanephrine are 0.50nm/l and 0.90nm/l.  Urinary levels are, respectively: Total 24 hr. metanephrine =1.3mg for urine; and total plasma ME+NME is less than 205pg/ml. It sound as though you're within the normal ranges, but depending on the units of measure, which vary from lab to lab and med ctr to med ctr., you may not.  Meet w/ your endocrinologist.

Question 6

what are the advantages of the plasma free metanephrine blood test over the standard urine tests for pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Sensitive: More sensitive and specific especially if the index of suspicion is fairly high. More expensive however.

Question 7

stopped going to old doc but just got labs back from 8mos ago. random urine metanephrine/creatinine was .5 mcg/mg crt. no ref range provided. normal?

Accepted Answer

Call the lab: You should be able to call the lab to get the reference range. Interpretation of the results will not be done by the lab. If you get a new doctor, be sure to share the results with them. Hope this helps!

Question 8

i have to start a 24 hour metanephrines urine test today.  if i was drinking beer last night will it effect the results?

Accepted Answer

Should be fine: Certain medications and foods (such as coffee, tea and chocolate) may interfere with this test but I can find nothing that says alcohol interferes. The doctor who ordered this test should have given you instructions on anything to avoid, so if not told to avoid alcohol it should be fine.

Question 9

should i redo 24 hrs urine test for catecholamines metanephrine if i had a cigarette or just give it to lab?

Accepted Answer

See below: Urine collection for metnephrines requires a lot of precautions. It would be better to redo. See the website given below for details about precautions or this test. 
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/urine-metanephrine/tab/sample.

Question 10

my metanephrine free was 232pg/ml suggestive of a pheochromocytoma(1) suggested i rpt the 24hr urine & serum chromogranin a for confirmation. normal?

Accepted Answer

Several tests: These pheo tests are famously prone to false negatives. Many endocrinologists order a variety. Have you had imaging done?

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Doctor answers about:

Metanephrines in urine

A member asked:

Should the urine tests still be performed even though the plasma free metanephrine has been done?

A member asked:

What does a low metanephrine count mean in a 24 hour urine test?

A member asked:

Why do i have to refrain from tobacco for catecholamines and metanephrine urine test?

A member asked:

What does it mean if my metanephrines total (244) and nor/epinephrines totals (107) are elevated in my urine? i just got an email from the lab that ran these tests.

A member asked:

My metanephrine free urine was 51, blood test was 63, normetanephrine free urine 181, blood test 150- total urine 232, blood test 213. normal?

A member asked:

What are the advantages of the plasma free metanephrine blood test over the standard urine tests for pheochromocytoma?

A member asked:

Stopped going to old doc but just got labs back from 8mos ago. random urine metanephrine/creatinine was .5 mcg/mg crt. no ref range provided. normal?

A member asked:

I have to start a 24 hour metanephrines urine test today. if i was drinking beer last night will it effect the results?

A member asked:

Should i redo 24 hrs urine test for catecholamines metanephrine if i had a cigarette or just give it to lab?

A member asked:

My metanephrine free was 232pg/ml suggestive of a pheochromocytoma(1) suggested i rpt the 24hr urine & serum chromogranin a for confirmation. normal?

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