Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB2589
  • Soft Test Code:
  • METP
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 19548 / 19548X
Alternate Names
  • Metanephrine, Plasma Fractionated
Included Tests

Metanephrine, Plasma; Normetanephrine, Plasma


Clinical Significance

Normetanephrine (NM) and metanephrine (MN) are the extraneuronal catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) metabolites of the catecholamines norepinephrine and
epinephrine, respectively. Measure of plasma metanephrines is more sensitive (but may be less specific) than measurement of catecholamines for the detection of pheochromocytoma. Proper interpretation of results requires awareness of recent medication/drug history (e.g., antihypertensive agents, alcohol, cocaine) and other preanalytical factors (e.g., stress, severe congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction) that influence release of catecholamines and metanephrines.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise before collection.


Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

2.5 mL Plasma from a Lavender Top Tube - EDTA in a Plastic Vial
Minimum Volume:
1.5 mL Plasma*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Specimen Information:

Pre-Chill tube before collection


Collection Instructions:

Tube should be kept on wet ice from removal of refrigerater, after collection, until centrifuged


Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge (preferably at 4 degrees C) and separate plasma within 2 hours of collection


Transport and Storage:
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 Days

    Preferred

  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 14 Days

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Metanephrines, LC/MS/MS: < or = 57 pg/mL
Normetanephrines, LC/MS/MS: < or = 148 pg/mL
Total Metanephrines, LC/MS/MS: < or = 205 pg/mL
Detection limit for MN, NM: 25 pg/mL
Detection limit for Total: 50 pg/mL


Methodology:
  • Liquid Chromatography / Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Clinical Significance

Normetanephrine (NM) and metanephrine (MN) are the extraneuronal catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) metabolites of the catecholamines norepinephrine and
epinephrine, respectively. Measure of plasma metanephrines is more sensitive (but may be less specific) than measurement of catecholamines for the detection of pheochromocytoma. Proper interpretation of results requires awareness of recent medication/drug history (e.g., antihypertensive agents, alcohol, cocaine) and other preanalytical factors (e.g., stress, severe congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction) that influence release of catecholamines and metanephrines.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

5 to 8 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00913835


CPT Coding

83835