:Normal range
Urine: 10-270 mg/24 hrs
:Plasma
(Norepinephrine:(Supine:70-750 pg/mL, Standing: 200-1700 pg/mL-
(Epinephrine:(Supine: undetectable-110 pg/mL, Standing: undetectable-140 pg/mL-
(dopamine: <30 pg/mL (does not vary with posture-
Comment: Increased levels are found in phaeochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma. Decreased in Autonomic neuropathy including diabetes parkinsonism. Patient’s preparation: if possible, patient should discontinue all drugs at least 1 week before testing. Exercise, stress, smoking, and pain induce physiologic increase of Catecholamine
Sample: 24 hr urine, plasma EDTA