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
-
Norepinephrinenmol/LSupine: 0.5 - 3.1pg/mL x 0.00591
-
Epinephrinenmol/LSupine: <1.1pg/mL x 0.00546
-
Dopaminenmol/LSupine: <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