Austin Pathology

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Metanephrines - Plasma

Alternate Names
Metadrenalines - Plasma, Biogenic Amines - Plasma, 3-Methoxytyramine - Plasma, Pheochromocytoma, 3MT
Ordering Information

The test analyses Metanephrine and Normetanephrine (and 3-Methoxytyramine in non-adults).

Cerner Test Name
Metanephrine Level
Laboratory
Clinical Pharmacology
MBS Number
66779
Specimen
Blood
Container
Lithium Heparin - No Gel (green)
Collection Instructions
Collect on ice
Additional Collection Instructions

It is preferred that the patient be resting supine for 15 minutes prior to collection. It should be noted on the request if the sample is fasting/non-fasting and supine/non-supine.

The specimen is usually collected from an indwelling line.


Instructions for: Austin Pathology Collections Staff 

  • Samples from within Austin Health should be immediately sent to the laboratory on ice.

Instructions for: External Referring Laboratories

  • Samples referred from outside Austin Health should have plasma immediately separated by centrifugation at 4°C and the plasma transported frozen at -20°C.
Minimum Adult Volume
5mL
Minimum Paediatric Volume
None
Notes

Clinical Pharmacology can be reached on Ph:03 9496 5586 for result enquiries.

Frequency
Twice per week
Reference Interval
Normetanephrine < 900 pmol/L
Metanephrine < 500 pmol/L


If results are moderately elevated (3 x upper limit), it is recommended that a second analysis is performed with a 12 hour fasting specimen collected after rest (>15 minutes) in the supine position as requirements. Consideration should also be given to medications, especially those with potential to alter levels of biogenic amines such as Aldomet, Tricyclic Antidepressants, MAO inhibitors and other adrenergic agonists or antagonists. Potential illnesses may also contribute to altered states of biogenic amines. Other biochemical evaluation such as 24 hour urinary catecholamines or metanephrines should also be considered.

Persistant highly elevated levels may be associated with the presence of a neuro-endocrine tumour and the profile of excretion may relate to tumour type.

Test Code
PMET = Plasma Metanephrine, 3MT= 3-Methoxytyramine
Container ID
LHNG, LHI, LH, LHW
Storage Instructions
Store frozen at -20°C
Additional (Storage) Instructions

Instructions for: Metropolitan and Regional Specimen Receptions

  • Centrifuge, aliquot, and freeze plasma
  • 3-Methoxytyramine is not included in PMET, code for 3MT if requested.
Transport Instructions
Transport frozen