Share to
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Share to
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Back to Test Catalogue
Test ID: CAT P

Catecholamines LC-MS/MS, Plasma

Test Overview

Method

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Result Included

Dopamine; Epinephrine; Norepinephrine

Specimen

Specimen Type

Plasma (EDTA)

Volume

Sample Volume

5.0 mL<br>split into two equal aliquots

Minimum Volume

2.0 mL<br>split into two equal aliquots

Patient Preparation

Patient must refrain from eating, using tobacco and drinking caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours before the specimen is drawn. Patient must be in supine position for at least 30 minutes prior to specimen collection.

Collection & Handling

Collection Instructions

Patient must be in supine position for at least 30 minutes prior to specimen collection. Place tube on ice immediately after collection.

Handling Information

Specimen should be kept cold and spun in a cold centrifuge as soon as possible, within 60 minutes. Split plasma into two equal aliquots and freeze immediately. Store and send frozen.

Stability

Frozen
1 week

If the specimen thaws, it is unsuitable for analysis. Stable for 6 months at -70°C

Rejection Criteria

Criteria Specification
Specimen Not frozen

Performance & Interpretation

Turnaround Time

15 days

Results

Name
Units
Reference Range
Conversion
  1. Norepinephrine
    nmol/L
    Supine: 0.5 - 3.1
    pg/mL x 0.00591
  2. Epinephrine
    nmol/L
    Supine: <1.1
    pg/mL x 0.00546
  3. Dopamine
    nmol/L
    Supine: <0.13

    Comment

    Note: Higher catecholamine concentrations are observed in specimens collected from upright or standing adults.

Referral Location

Canada

Interface & Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code Result Name Result Codes Units
CAT P Norephinephrine (plasma) 7065 nmol/L
Epinephrine (plasma) 7067 nmol/L
Dopamine (plasma) 63939 nmol/L
Test Comment 40002

Test Version

Last Updated

2024-03-19