Catecholamines - Blood

Source

Blood

Mnemonic

CATP

Specimen Requirements

2 x 6 mL CATP (Special Catecholamine collection tube K3 EDTA with sodium metabisulfite)

2.5 mL plasma minimum

Minimum Blood Volume for Patients less than 45 kg (100 lb) Including Neonates and Pediatrics

Collections performed at Sloane Square, Sunridge, Beddington, and Glenbrook PSC, and acute care (RRL) sites ONLY.

Obtain CATP tubes from DSC Referrals (770-3285). Keep tubes cold (immerse in ice water or crushed ice) prior to and immediately after collection. Check expiry date on collection tube before use.

For resting sample, have patient in resting position for at least 30 minutes prior to collection.

Specimen Handling

Centrifuge at 4ºC + 2ºC. Remove plasma to 2 separate tubes and freeze plasma prior to transport to DSC.

RECORD on requisition whether patient is "ACTIVE" or "RESTING".

Additional Information

Testing includes Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Dopamine.

Testing Location

Analytical Toxicology

Testing Frequency

Monthly

Alternate Name(s)

Reference Interval

Resting

Age	Norepinephrine (nmol/L)	Epinephrine (pmol/L)	Dopamine (pmol/L)
Cord blood	4.14-9.46	109-1640
1-7 days	1.18-2.48	109-710
1-16 years	0.89-2.36	109-628
Adult	0.38-1.89	0-360	0-650

Clonidine Suppression Test

Normal response - A maximum fall of plasma norepinephrine to less than 1.89 nmol/L and a decrease of at least 40% from basal values.

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