Usual antihypertensive therapy can be continued. Although β-blockade can potentially result in a false-positive result, the current recommendation is to stop the medication only on repeat testing (Eisenhofer et al., 2003b). Ideally, the serum sample should be drawn with the patient in the supine position after at least 20 minutes of supine rest.
Full Answer
When should I have a metanephrine test?
This test is especially recommended for an individual younger than the age of 40, experiencing a sudden burst of high blood pressure. Specific symptoms related to adrenal tumours and elevated metanephrine levels are as follows:
Can a blood test give a false positive for metanephrines?
In most cases, doctors recommend the use of two tests, the blood test and the urine metanephrines test. This is because some products in the blood sample can lead to elevated levels of metanephrines. Since they are quickly eliminated in the body, a blood test can give false results.
How do you draw blood from a metanephrines test?
A plastic needle cannula is then used to draw the test blood from a vein in the hand or arm. This allows for the blood samples to be collected without the use of repeated needle sticks. How Long Does Metanephrines Test Results Take?
What do high levels of metanephrines in MRI scan indicate?
In addition, high levels of metanephrines in an individual who has been previously treated for a tumor may mean that the treatment was not effective or the tumor is recurring, and you need appropriate medication. In case of the presence of a tumor, extra MRI test is done to locate the apparent tumor.
What if your metanephrines is high?
Higher levels of metanephrines may mean that you have an adrenal gland tumor. But false-positive results can happen. Higher levels may also be caused by obstructive sleep apnea, stress, or other illnesses.
Which treatment is given to a patient with pheochromocytoma?
The primary treatment for a pheochromocytoma is surgery to remove the tumor. Before you have surgery, your health care provider will likely prescribe specific blood pressure medications. These medications block high-adrenaline hormones to lower the risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure during surgery.
What causes false positive metanephrines?
False-positives can occur due to a variety of reasons. Plasma metanephrines may be slightly elevated due to withdrawal from benzodiazepines, alcohol and clonidine. Certain anesthetics, cocaine and cardiac antiarrhythmics such as lidocaine can elevate plasma metanephrines.
Can benign pheochromocytoma be cured?
Types of Therapies for Pheochromocytoma: Ninety percent of patients are cured by surgery to remove benign pheochromocytoma tumors.
What happens if pheochromocytoma is not treated?
If you have a pheochromocytoma, the tumor releases hormones that may cause high blood pressure, headache, sweating and symptoms of a panic attack. If a pheochromocytoma isn't treated, severe or life-threatening damage to other body systems can result.
What complications may arise if pheochromocytoma is left untreated?
If left untreated, pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas may progress to cause serious, life-threatening complications including heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhaging) or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
How long do metanephrines stay in your system?
Stability RequirementsTemperaturePeriodRoom temperature14 daysRefrigerated14 daysFrozen14 days
What should I avoid before a metanephrine test?
From midnight before the test you should not eat or drink anything apart from water. Five days before the test you should not take paracetamol (this can be taken as normal after your test).
Can pheochromocytoma be seen on CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) CT scans can reveal adrenal pheochromocytomas larger than 5–10 mm with sensitivity >95% (34).
How serious is a tumor on the adrenal gland?
It can be always high or sometimes high. Sometimes the tumor can cause high blood pressure that can be life threatening. It is a very rare cause of high blood pressure. But it must be considered when medicine is not enough to control high blood pressure.
How long can you live with a pheochromocytoma?
Patients with a small pheochromocytoma that has not spread to other parts of the body have a five-year survival rate of about 95%. Patients with pheochromocytoma that has grown back (recurred) or spread to other parts of the body have a five-year survival rate between 34% and 60%.
What percent of pheochromocytomas are malignant?
Most pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are benign. At least 10 percent of pheochromocytomas are malignant (as defined by the presence of metastases), while a larger proportion of paragangliomas (up to 25 percent) are malignant.
What is the 24-hour metanephrine urine test?
What is Metanephrine Urine test? Metanephrine urine test measures the level of metanephrine that your body produces in a day. Hence, it is also called the 24-hour metanephrine test. Metanephrines are the breakdown product of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
What does it mean when your metanephrine levels are high?
A high level of metanephrines indicates that you may have an adrenal gland tumour such as pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma . If the levels are elevated even after the treatment for tumour, it indicates that either the tumour is recurring or the treatment was ineffective.
Why is metanephrine more specific than blood?
This test is considered more specific than the blood test because it gives an average of metanephrine levels that otherwise fluctuate throughout the day.
What is the breakdown product of catecholamines?
Metanephrines are the breakdown product of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). Catecholamines are fight or flight hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland - a small triangular organ placed at the top of the kidney - in conditions of stress.
What is the effect of epinephrine on blood pressure?
Norepinephrine constricts the blood vessel, and epinephrine increases heart rate leading to an elevation in blood pressure. Once these actions are performed, they are converted into metanephrine and normetanephrine, which are then excreted from the body through urine.
How to collect urine sample for 24 hours?
Here is the right way to collect a 24-hour urine sample: Wash your hands and clean your genital area using a cleansing pad. Sample collection for a 24-hour urine test usually begins in the early morning. However, the first urine is not collected.
How long should you stay at home for a urine test?
Always wash your hands after urination to avoid any chances of infection. Make sure you stay at home for 24 hours during the test for proper storage of the urine.
Why is a metanephrine test important?
This test is important in diagnosing any existence of a rare tumor in the blood. The tumor, known as Pheochromocytoma responsible for releasing excess metanephrines in the blood. The metanephrines test is also used to monitor the recurrence of a tumor after it has already been removed or treated. These tumors, however, may not be dangerous ...
How much does a metanephrine test cost?
At average, the 24-hour urine metanephrines test cost is approximately Rs. 1300 – 4850. This will, however, depend on factors such as the quality, city, and availability of the test. For a metanephrines blood test, the cost is approximately $100.
How many picograms are normal for metanephrine?
Normal metanephrines levels are. Metanephrines; 20-60 picograms per milliliter. Normetanephrine; 18- 111 picograms per milliliter. Normal ranges of metanephrines may vary depending on the type of hospital and laboratory the test was performed. Therefore, it’s important to request for interpretation of the results from your doctor ...
What happens if you have elevated metanephrine levels?
Some of the elevated metanephrines symptoms include severe headaches, weight loss, hypertension, and sweating, rapid heartbeat, tingling in the feet and hands, and anxiety. If the condition is not effectively treated, it can cause heart disease, heart attack, and kidney damage.
What does it mean when you have high levels of metanephrine?
In addition, high levels of metanephrines in an individual who has been previously treated for a tumor may mean that the treatment was not effective or the tumor is recurring, and you need appropriate medication. In case of the presence of a tumor, extra MRI test is done to locate the apparent tumor.
How long does it take for a metanephrine to work?
Therefore, a metanephrines 24- hour urine test is necessary alongside a blood test. Commonly, the turnaround time for this test is approximately 5-7 days.
What does elevated metanephrine mean?
Also, these tumors are very rare. Elevated levels of metanephrines can mean that you have a tumor. Also, they may be caused by an obstructive sleep apnea.
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How is it used?
Urine metanephrine testing is used to help detect or rule out catecholamine-secreting tumours. It may also be ordered to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment when a catecholamine-secreting tumour is discovered and removed and also to monitor for recurrence.
When is it requested?
Urine metanephrines are ordered when a doctor either suspects that a patient has a catecholamine-secreting tumour or wants to rule out the possibility. They may order it when a patient has persistent or recurring hypertension along with symptoms such as headaches, sweating, flushing, and rapid heart rate.
What does the test result mean?
Normal urine metanephrine and normetanephrine results mean it is unlikely that the patient has a catecholamine-secreting tumour. Because the metanephrine test is sensitive to many outside influences and phaeochromocytomas are rare, a doctor may see more false positives with this test than true positives.
Is there anything else I should know?
While metanephrine testing can help detect and diagnose catecholamine-secreting tumours, it cannot tell the doctor how big the tumour is (even small tumours can produce large amounts of catecholamines), where the tumour is (although the majority are found in the adrenal gland and most of the rest are found within the abdominal cavity), or how many tumours are present (although it is usually just one).
Can I have tumours in both of my adrenal glands?
Yes. Usually a single adrenal tumour will arise in one gland or the other, but multiple tumours can form. This is more likely in patients with a strong family history of
If I avoid all of the interfering substances mentioned, could I prevent a phaeochromocytoma?
No. They interfere with accurate test results, but they do not cause or exacerbate the tumour itself.
What is this test?
This test measures the substances metanephrine and normetanephrine in your blood. It helps find out whether you have a tumor of the adrenal glands called pheochromocytoma.
Why do I need this test?
You might have this test if your healthcare provider suspects that you have an adrenal gland tumor. Symptoms include:
What other tests might I have along with this test?
Your healthcare provider may also order a urine test to measure catecholamines. He or she may also order these tests:
What do my test results mean?
Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses to do the test. Even if your test results are different from the normal value, you may not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare provider.
How is this test done?
The test requires a blood sample, which is drawn through a needle from a vein in your arm.
Does this test pose any risks?
Taking a blood sample with a needle carries risks that include bleeding, infection, bruising, or feeling dizzy. When the needle pricks your arm, you may feel a slight stinging sensation or pain. Afterward, the site may be slightly sore.
How do I get ready for this test?
Don't exercise vigorously or drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol before your test. Don't take acetaminophen for at least 48 hours before the test. Try to avoid stress. You may be asked to rest quietly for 15 to 30 minutes before your blood sample is collected.
How does a metanephrine test work?
This test measures the amount of metanephrines in your urine that your body makes over a 24-hour period. Metanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines . These hormones are made by the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help your body respond to stress.
How many hours does it take to test for metanephrine?
Total urinary metanephrines can be measured in milligrams (mg). A level of 1.3 mg or greater over 24 hours is often considered positive. Different labs have different ways of measuring catecholamine levels. Your provider will discuss your results with you.
What if your metanephrine level is twice normal?
If your 24-hour metanephrine level is twice the normal level or higher, it's likely that you have a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. You may need to have imaging tests, including CT or MRI scans. These tests are done to confirm the diagnosis and find the tumor.
What is the measurement of total urinary metanephrine?
To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare provider. Total urinary metanephrines can be measured in milligrams (mg).
What to tell your healthcare provider about taking medicine?
Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.
What is a metanephrine test?
What is this test? This test measures the amount of metanephrines in your urine that your body makes over a 24-hour period. Metanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands.
How many hours does it take to test for metanephrine?
Total urinary metanephrines can be measured in milligrams (mg). A level of 1.3 mg or greater over 24 hours is often considered positive. Different labs have different ways of measuring catecholamine levels. Your healthcare provider will discuss your results with you.
What happens if you have a 24-hour metanephrine level of 1 and 2?
If your 24-hour metanephrine level is between 1 and 2 times the normal amount, there is about a 30% chance you have a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. If your 24-hour metanephrine level is twice the normal level or higher, it's likely that you have a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
How long before a blood test can you drink caffeine?
Don't drink anything containing caffeine for 2 days before the test and on the test day. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or activity restrictions. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
