Catecholamines - urine

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Catecholamine urine test

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How to prepare for the test

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

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Drugs that can decrease catecholamine measurements include:

Clonidine
Disulfiram
Guanethidine
Imipramine
MAO inhibitors
Phenothiazines
Reserpine
Salicylates

How the test will feel

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

Why the test is performed

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.

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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).