Test Details
Mnemonic
UCATR
Ordering Code
1013200
CPT-4 Code(s)
82384, 82570
Specimen Information
Patient Preparation
Medications that may interfere with catecholamines and metabolites include amphetamines - like compounds, appetite suppressants, bromocriptine, buspirone, caffeine, carbidopa - levopa (Sinemet), clonidine, dexamethasone, diuretics, ethanol, isoproterenol, methyldopa (Aldomet), MAO inhibitors, nicotine, nose drops, propafenone (Rythmol), reserpine, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and vasodilators. Patient should consult their physician before discontinuing any medication.
Collect
Random urine
Specimen Preparation
Add 1 - 2 drops 6N HCl to a 10 mL urine within 4 hours of collection. Mix well, ensure pH 1-3, and send urine refrigerated in a plastic screw-capped urine cup.
Minimum Volume
5.0 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Stability
With Preservative:
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Without Preservative:
Not stable at any temperature
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Without Preservative:
Not stable at any temperature
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Reference Range
Epinepherine: 3-20 µg/g creatinine
Norephinephrine: 10-45 µg/g creatinine
Dopamine: 50-250 µg/g creatinine
Norephinephrine: 10-45 µg/g creatinine
Dopamine: 50-250 µg/g creatinine
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
Yes