Reference Interval:
Supine
| Test Number
| Components
| Reference Interval
| | | Epinephrine | | Age
| | 2-10 days
11 days-3 months
4-11 months
12-23 months
24-35 months
3-17 years
18 years and older
| 36-400 pg/mL
55-200 pg/mL
55-440 pg/mL
36-640 pg/mL
18-440 pg/mL
18-460 pg/mL
10-200 pg/mL
|
| | | Norepinephrine | | Age
| | 2-10 days
11 days-3 months
4-11 months
12-23 months
24-35 months
3-17 years
18 years and older
| 170-1180 pg/mL
370-2080 pg/mL
270-1120 pg/mL
68-1810 pg/mL
170-1470 pg/mL
85-1250 pg/mL
80-520 pg/mL
|
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| Interpretive Data: |
Small increases in catecholamines (less than 2 times the upper reference limit) usually are the result of physiological stimuli, drugs, or improper specimen collection. Significant elevation of one or more catecholamines (2 or more times the upper reference limit) is associated with an increased probability of a neuroendocrine tumor. Measurement of plasma or urine fractionated metanephrines provides better diagnostic sensitivity than measurement of catecholamines.
|
| Note: |
Medications which may interfere with catecholamines and metabolites include amphetamines and amphetamine-like compounds, appetite suppressants, bromocriptine, buspirone, caffeine, carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet), clonidine, dexamethasone, diuretics (in doses sufficient to deplete sodium), ethanol, isoproterenol, labetalol, methyldopa (Aldomet), MAO inhibitors, nicotine, nose drops, propafenone (Rythmol), reserpine, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and vasodilators. The effects of drugs on catecholamine results may not be predictable.
For optimum results, patient should be supine with venous catheter in place for 30 minutes prior to collection. "Upright" ranges show epinephrine up to 900 pg/mL, and norepinephrine up to 700 pg/mL.
Children, particularly those under 2 years of age, often show an elevated catecholamine response to stress.
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| CPT Code(s): |
82384
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