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Information and guidance for public, NHSGGC staff, and community-based services.  Hospital visiting restrictions now in place.

Metadrenalines (plasma)

The plasma free metadrenalines profile:

  • Metadrenaline
  • Normetadrenaline
  • 3-methoxytyramine
Plasma free metadrenalines are used for the diagnosis of catecholamine producing tumours including phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL). Patients with PPGL may present with episodes of hypertension with palpitations, severe headaches and sweating. Patients may be asymptomatic but have an incidentally discovered adrenal mass.
  
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
  
Sample type  Plasma
Container  EDTA
Precautions  Plasma must be separated from red blood cells within 2 hours of collection. Certain medications may cause false elevations of plasma metadrenalines (click here for full list). If clinically feasible, it is optimal to discontinue these medications at least 1 week before sample collection.
Minimum volume  250 µL
Reference range

 Metadrenaline < 510 pmol/L

 Normetadrenaline < 1180 pmol/L

 3-methoxytyramine < 180 pmol/L
Turnaround time  14 days
Method  Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
 
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Last Updated: 22 June 2020
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