Catecholamines in Blood

Adrenaline Measurement in Blood, Dopamine Measurement in Blood, Epinephrine Measurement in Blood, Metanephrine Measurement in Blood, Noradrenaline Measurement in Blood, Norepinephrine Measurement in Blood, Vanillymandelic Acid Measurement in Blood

How To Prepare

You may be asked to avoid the following foods and fluids for 2 to 3 days before having this test:

• Caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate
• Amines. These are found in bananas, walnuts, avocados, fava beans, cheese, beer, and red wine.
• Any foods or fluids with vanilla
• Licorice
• ASA

You may be asked to not eat or drink anything for 10 hours before this test. Do not use tobacco for 4 hours before the blood test.

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the non-prescription and prescription medicines you take.

Your health professional may ask you to stop certain medicines, such as blood pressure medicines, before the test. Do not take cold or allergy remedies, including ASA, and non-prescription diet pills for 2 weeks before the test.

Having a blood sample taken can cause stress. This may increase catecholamine levels. Be sure to keep warm, because being cold can also increase your catecholamine levels. Ask for a blanket if you feel cold.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Hanan Bassyouni, MD - Endocrinology and Metabolism Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
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