Catecholamines - urine Health Article

Definition

Catecholamines are small molecules made by nerve tissue (including the brain) and the adrenal gland.

The major catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These substances break down into other compounds, which leave your body through your urine.

A urine test can be done to measure the level of catecholamines in your body.

Catecholamines can also be measured with a blood test. See also: Catecholamines - blood

Alternative Names

Dopamine-urine test; Epinephrine-urine test; Adrenalin-urine test; Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA); Urine metanephrine; Normetanephrine; Norepinephrine-urine test; Urine catecholamines; VMA; HVA; Metanephrine; Homovanillic acid (HVA)

How the test is performed

For this test, you must urinate into a special bag or container every time you use the bathroom for 24-hour period.

• On day 1, urinate over the toilet into the container or bag when you wake up in the morning. Close the container tightly. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• Urinate into the special container every time you use the bathroom for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning again when you wake up.
• Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra (the hole where urine flows out). Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end).

• For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin.
• For females, place the bag over the two folds of skin on either side of the vagina (labia). Put a diaper on the baby (over the bag).

Check the infant frequently, and change the bag after the infant has urinated. Empty the urine from the bag into the container provided by your doctor.

Because lively infants can cause the bag to move, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. You may need extra collection bags.

When finished, label the container and return it as instructed.