Name of the Procedure:

Catecholamines; fractionated
Also known as Fractionated Catecholamines Test or Plasma Free Metanephrines Test.

Summary

A Catecholamines; fractionated test is a blood test used to measure the levels of catecholamines (hormones produced by the adrenal glands) in the body. This test helps determine the amount of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, aiding in diagnosing conditions related to abnormal catecholamine production.

Purpose

The test is primarily used to diagnose neuroendocrine tumors like pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, which can cause an overproduction of catecholamines. It aims to detect abnormally high levels of these hormones to enable early intervention and treatment.

Indications

• Symptoms such as high blood pressure, severe headaches, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating.
• Family history of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
• Patients experiencing sudden panic attacks or anxiety without a clear cause.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the test.
• Avoid certain foods like bananas, chocolate, coffee, and tea for at least 24 hours before the test.
• Medication adjustments as advised by the healthcare provider.
• It’s important to remain calm and rested before and during the test to avoid stress-related spikes in catecholamines.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
2. A healthcare professional will clean the injection site with antiseptic.
3. A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to make the veins more visible.
4. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm, using a needle and collected in a special test tube.
5. The collected blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Duration

The blood draw procedure typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but preparation and waiting times can extend the visit to about 30 minutes.

Setting

This test is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic laboratory.

Personnel

• A licensed phlebotomist or nurse to draw the blood.
• Laboratory technicians to analyze the blood sample.
• An endocrinologist or other healthcare provider to interpret results.

Risks and Complications

• Bruising or soreness at the site of the blood draw.
• Rarely, infection or excessive bleeding.
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded.

Benefits

• Early diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
• Identification of abnormal catecholamine levels can guide appropriate treatment options.
• Improved management of symptoms related to these conditions.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time is required.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be needed to discuss test results and further treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Urine catecholamine test, which measures hormone levels in a 24-hour urine sample.
• Imaging studies like CT or MRI scans to locate tumors.
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons, such as different preparation requirements and varying levels of invasiveness.

Patient Experience

• During the blood draw, patients may feel a quick pinch or sting from the needle.
• Some discomfort or bruising at the injection site might be experienced but usually subsides quickly.
• The overall experience is relatively quick and non-invasive, with little downtime needed.