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Metanephrines - Plasma

Source Blood
 
Mnemonic

PMET
 

Specimen Requirements

2 x 4 mL lavender top EDTA tubes

Minimum 2.5 mL plasma

The patient must fast and abstain from smoking tobacco for at least 4 hours before the specimen is drawn.  The patient may drink only water during the fasting period.  

 

Specimen Handling PSC & RRL:
Centrifuge, pour off, and transport plasma on ice to DSC.

Extra-regional:
Centrifuge, pour off and freeze plasma prior to transport to DSC.

DSC:
Freeze specimens upon receipt in lab; ensure frozen specimens do not thaw.

 
Additional Information

ºMetanephrines - Urine is the preferred screening test.


False positive increases in urine and plasma metanephrines and catecholamines have been associated with the following drugs or classes of drugs: anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, some beta blockers, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, some anxiolytics, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, decongestants, phenoxybenzamine.

 

Interpretation of results while on one of these agents should be interpreted with caution and put into clinical context. 

Testing includes: Metanephrine and Normetanephrine

Stability (after separation from cells): 3 months at -70°C.
 
 

Testing Location Analytical Toxicology
Testing Frequency Every week

  
Alternate Name(s) Metanephrines, Fractionated
Reference Interval Plasma Normetanphrine <0.90 nmol/L
Plasma Metanephrine <0.50 nmol/L