Alberta Precision Laboratories

--- Query Results ---

Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Message Alert:

PLEASE NOTE: This Test Directory is in an interim state and due to changes pertaining to the DynaLIFE transition, performing site for routing has not been updated. Please refer to Laboratory Information System for appropriate routing.

Test Name/Synonym:

Metanephrines, Urine, 24 Hour (Synonym: Met, Metanephrine, Normetanephrine, 3 Methoxytyramine, 3-MT, 3MT)

Clinical Indications:

Urine Metanephrines should be the initial test requested in adults where pheochromocytoma is suspected.

Test Includes:

Testing includes Normetanephrine and Metanephrine.
3-Methoxytyramine is available on special request.

Collection Alert:

3 days before and during collection avoid bananas, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, vanilla, and peppers.

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB409

Specimen Type:

Urine

Primary Container:

24 HR URINE CONTAINER - ACID

Minimum Collection Volume:

10 mL

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Calgary Zone:
24 hour urine specimen collection container must have preservative pouch(es) added BEFORE collection.

Age	Sulfamic Acid:
0 up to 1 month	Refer patient to ACH
1 month up to 2 months	2 x 0.5g pouches
2 months up to 4 months	3 x 0.5g pouches
4 months up to 1 year	4 x 0.5g pouches
1 year up to 4 years	5 x 0.5 g pouches
4 years up to unspecified	7 g pouch in each 4 litre container

If Sulfamic acid is not available, HCl is also an acceptable preservative. See HCl for Urine Preservation. Direct patient to obtain container with 25 mL of 6N HCl at a Patient Service Centre (PSC), outpatient lab (FMC or RRL sites), or rural site. Please note HCl is not available in Strathmore or Banff locations.

Refrigerate during collection.
Specimen may be dropped off at any Patient Service Centre after collection is complete.

Edmonton Zone:
24 hour urine, acid bottle (25 mL – 6 N HCl)

Test Resources:

Edmonton Zone:
24 Hour Urine Collection - Patient Instructions

Stability and Storage:

Store at refrigerated temperature

Processing:

Mix well and aliquot.
Two aliquots are required for testing. One for Metanephrines and one for creatinine testing.
Record volume and collection (start and end) dates and times.

Transportation:

Transport at refrigerated temperature.

Method:

LC-MS/MS

Routine Turn Around Time:

Within 2 weeks of receipt.

Testing Schedule:

Weekly

Reference Interval:

Metanephrine, Urine, 24 Hour (umol/d)

Age	Male	Female	U/X
0 up to 3 years	Not available
3 years up to 10 years	Less than 0.5	Less than 0.7	Less than 0.7
10 years up to 13 years	Less than 1.0	Less than 0.6	Less than 1.0
13 years up to 18 years	Less than 1.1	Less than 0.9	Less than 1.1
18 years up to unspecified	Less than 1.3	Less than 0.9	Less than 1.3

Normetanephrine, Urine, 24 Hour (umol/d)

Age	Male	Female	U/X
0 up to 3 years	Not available
3 years up to 10 years	Less than 0.9	Less than 0.8	Less than 0.9
10 years up to 13 years	Less than 2.3	Less than 1.5	Less than 2.3
13 years up to 18 years	Less than 2.5	Less than 1.6	Less than 2.5
18 years up to 30 years	Less than 3.3
30 years up to 40 years	Less than 2.7
40 years up to 50 years	Less than 3.0
50 years up to 60 years	Less than 4.3
60 years up to 70 years	Less than 4.2
70 years up to unspecified	Less than 3.3

3-Methoxytyramine, Urine, 24 Hour (umol/d)

Age	M/F/X/U
0 up to 18 years	Not available
18 years up to unspecified	Less than 1.3

Testing Area:

TDM / Toxicology

Performing Site:

Calgary Zone	Diagnostic and Scientific Centre
Edmonton Zone	University of Alberta Hospital

Additional Test Information:

False positive increases in urine and plasma metanephrines and catecholamines have been associated with the following drugs or classes of drugs: anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, some beta blockers, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, some anxiolytics, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, decongestants, phenoxybenzamine. Interpretation of results while on one of these agents should be interpreted with caution and put into clinical context.

Last Updated On:

Monday, March 17, 2025