Catecholamines, Urine 24 Hr/Random Test

A catecholamine test helps in diagnosis of a rare tumor in the adrenal glands called “pheochromocytoma”. This Tumor can lead your adrenal glands to release too many hormones. And that can cause high blood pressure, excessive sweating, fast heartbeats, and tremors. Catecholamines consist of three main types, i.e, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These chemicals break down into other components, which excretes your body through the urine system.A urine test should be done to measure the level of catecholamines in your body. Separate urine tests are conducted to measure related substance.

You may be advised to avoid some type of foods and fluids for 2 to 3 days before the test. They include:
1.Caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate.
2.Amines. These are found in bananas, walnuts, avocados, fava beans, cheese, beer, and red wine.
3.Any foods or fluids that has vanilla.
4.Licorice.
5.Avoid tobacco during the 24-hour urine collection.
Keep yourself warm during the 24 hours. Being cold can lead to rise in your catecholamine levels.Drink plenty of water and other fluids during this 24 hours to avoid dehydration

This test measures the presence of the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in your urine. Usually, the test also accounts for the amount of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), metanephrine, and normetanephrine.
Normal urine values vary in children depending on their age.
High levels of the above would be a result of:
1.an adrenal gland tumor or the presence of other type of tumor.
2. any major stress, such as burns, a full-body infection (sepsis), illness, surgery, or traumatic injury.
3.Dosage of some blood pressure medicines.
Low values:
Low values may be caused by diabetes or some nervous system problems.

For this test, you’ll be provided with a large collection container. Also, several cleansing wipes are given. You’re told not to collect your first urination of the day. However, the time of the first urination needs to be recorded because this will begin the 24-hour-collection period. For the next 24 hours, keep collecting all your urine in that collection cup. Clean around your urethra before urinating and don’t touch the collection cup with your genitals. Store the sample in your refrigerator between the time of collections. After the 24-hour period is over you should return the sample as advised.