When finished, label the container and return it as instructed.

Acute stress and vigorous exercise may affect the test results.

Foods that can increase urinary catecholamines include coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, and vanilla. Avoid these foods for several days prior to the test.

Certain drugs can also affect test results. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain medicines before the test. Never stop taking medicine without first talking to your doctor.

The following drugs can increase catecholamine measurements:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aminophylline
• Caffeine
• Chloral hydrate
• Clonidine
• Disulfiram
• Erythromycin
• Insulin
• Levodopa
• Lithium
• Methenamine
• Methyldopa
• Nicotinic acid (large doses)
• Nitroglycerin
• Quinidine
• Tetracyclines

Drugs that can decrease catecholamine measurements include:

• Clonidine
• Disulfiram
• Guanethidine
• Imipramine
• MAO inhibitors
• Phenothiazines
• Reserpine
• Salicylates

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

The test is usually done to diagnose an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma. It may also be used to diagnose neuroblastoma. Urine catecholamine levels are increased in most persons with neuroblastoma.

The urine test for catecholamines may also be used to monitor those who are receiving treatment for these conditions.

Images

Catecholamine urine test

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

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Catecholamines Results

Review Date: 05/09/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)