Catecholamine Tests

Catecholamines are a group of hormones made by your adrenal glands, two small glands located above your kidneys. Hormones act as chemical messengers in your bloodstream. They carry information that controls the actions of certain cells or organs.

The main types of catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline. These hormones are released into the body in response to physical or emotional stress.

This response is sometimes referred to as your body's 'fight or flight' response to stress. When catecholamines enter your bloodstream: Your blood flow increases to your muscles and brain; You become more alert; Your heart rate and blood pressure increase; You get more adrenaline for energy; Catecholamine tests measure the amount of catecholamines in your urine or blood. Usually, these hormone levels are low and increase during and just after a stressful situation.

Then these levels return to a normal level once the stressful situation has ended. Blood or urine levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and/or epinephrine that stay higher than normal can be a sign of certain rare tumors.

Why this test is done

You or your child may need this test if you have symptoms of a tumor that affects catecholamine levels. Symptoms in adults include:

• High blood pressure, especially if it isn't getting better with treatment
• Severe headaches
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Tingling in your arms and legs

Symptoms in children include:

• Bone pain or tenderness
• An abnormal lump in the abdomen
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Uncontrolled eye movements

Treatment of these rare tumors may help to control or reduce your high blood pressure. But if the tumors are not treated, your symptoms may get worse. The tumors may continue to grow and could cause more severe health problems.

How to prepare

You may be asked to avoid certain foods for two to three days before the test. These could include:

• Caffeinated foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Bananas
• Citrus fruits
• Foods that contain vanilla

You may also be asked to avoid stress and vigorous exercise before your test, as these can affect catecholamine levels. Certain medicines may also affect levels. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking.

But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

If you are having a blood test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Sample type

Blood Urine

Other names for this test

dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine tests, free catecholamines, fractionated catecholamines