Catecholamines - blood

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Blood test

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Catecholamines - blood

Definition:

The blood test for catecholamines measures the level of catecholamines in the plasma portion of blood.

Alternative Names:
Norepinephrine - blood; Epinephrine - blood; Adrenalin - blood; Dopamine - blood
How the test is performed:

Catecholamines are more often measured with a urine test than with this blood test.

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Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test:

Certain foods can increase catecholamine levels including coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, and vanilla. Avoid these foods for several days prior to the test, particularly if both serum and urine catecholamines are to be measured.

Avoid other interfering factors:

Acute stress
Vigorous exercise

Consult your health care provider regarding the need to discontinue potentially interfering drugs. Drugs that can increase catecholamine measurements include caffeine, levodopa, lithium, aminophylline, chloral hydrate, clonidine, disulfiram, erythromycin, insulin, methenamine, methyldopa, nicotinic acid (large doses), quinidine, tetracyclines, and nitroglycerin.

Drugs that can decrease catecholamine measurements include clonidine, disulfiram, guanethidine, imipramine, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, salicylates, and reserpine.

Never discontinue any medication without first consulting your provider.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics: