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 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