Pseudonyms
ADR, NORADR, DOPA, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Dopamine
Collection Requirements
Order plasma metanephrines instead
Tube Colour
N/A
Test image(s)
Requires own tube?
No
Department
BiochemistryReference Interval
N/A
Availability
None
Notes
Testing for plasma free metanephrines (the O-methylated metabolites of catecholamines) is now considered the preferred test in screening for the presence of neuroendocrine secreting tumours such as phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Ref: Lenders et al 2002, JAMA 287:1427-1434
Plasma catecholamine testing is unavailable as of August 2025
Test code: PCAT
Pathology Handbook search