Test Details & Preparation

• Epinephrine test is done to help diagnose or rule out a pheochromocytoma or other Neuro-endocrine tumour.


• Epinephrine test is performed when you have symptoms of increased catecholamines release, such as persistent or episodic high blood pressure, severe headaches, rapid heart rate, and sweating.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a 24-hour urine sample for an Epinephrine test.


• Epinephrine test is affected by certain drugs, foods, and stresses. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking and follow any preparation instructions you are given before sample collection.


• Since the Epinephrine test is sensitive to many outside influences and pheochromocytomas are rare, a doctor may see more false positives with this test than true positives.


• If catecholamine levels are elevated in a person who has had a previous pheochromocytoma, then it is likely that either treatment was not fully effective or that the tumour is recurring.


• If the concentrations of catecholamines are normal in both the plasma and urine, then it is unlikely that a person has a pheochromocytoma.