Clinical practice guidelines recommend the measurement of metanephrines in plasma or urine over catecholamines for the diagnosis and monitoring of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Requests received for urine catecholamines testing after 1/10/2019 will be interpreted as a request for urine metanephrines

If VMA or HVA are requested on a child, consult Chemical Pathologist.

Metanephrines (normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine), also known as metadrenalines, are the O-methylated metabolites of catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine respectively).

Patients are requested to limit intake of tea, coffee, and alcohol and to avoid vigorous exercise prior to testing or during collection period.