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

Methodology

High Performance Liquid Chromatography
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Reference Range

Epinepherine: 3-20 µg/g creatinine
Norephinephrine: 10-45 µg/g creatinine
Dopamine: 50-250 µg/g creatinine
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Performing Laboratory

Warde Medical Laboratory
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New York DOH Approval Status

No
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