Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above the kidneys. These hormones are released into your body in response to material or sensory stress. The most important type of catecholamines he dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Adrenaline is also commonly referred to as epinephrine. Catecholamines. tests Measure the amount of these hormones in your urine or blood. Higher levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and/or adrenaline can be symptoms of serious health conditions.
Other names: dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline. tests , free catecholamines
What are they used for?
Catecholamine tests Usually used to diagnose or rule out certain types of rare tumors, including
- Pheochromocytoma, an adrenal tumor. This tumor pattern is generally considered benign (no cancer). However, it can be fatal if untreated.
- Neuroblastoma, cancerous resistance that develops from nerve tissue. It affects boys and boys in a major way.
- Paragangliome, a picture of a tumor that develops near the adrenal glands. This tumor pattern can be considered cancerous, but usually grows quite slowly.
The tests It can also be used to see if these tumors are functioning.
Why do I need a catecholamine test ?
You or your child may need to have this done test If there are signs of a tumor catecholamine Symptoms of adult lobe include
- High blood pressure, especially if it does not respond to treatment
- Serious headaches
- Sweating
- Fast heartbeat
Male symptoms include
- Bone or tenderness pain
- Unusual lumps in the stomach
- Weight loss
- Uncontrolled eye movements
What happens during a catecholamine test ?
A catecholamine test May occur in urine or blood. Urinalysis is more common catecholamine Blood levels can change quickly and the stress of the test may also have an effect.
However, blood tests are useful in diagnosing pheochromocytoma tumors. If this tumor is present, certain medications are released into the bloodstream.
For a catecholamine urine test Your midwife or gynecologist will ask you to catch all urine during a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample. test 24 Hour Urine Monster Field. test Your care provider or laboratory employee will provide you with a urine shelter and guidelines for collecting and storing the sample. Test instructions usually include the correct procedure.
- Place a bottle of urine on the individual in the morning and the urine in question was urine. Note the time.
- Store your passed urine in this container for the next 24 hours.
- Store the urine container in the freezer or freezer with ice.
- According to the instructions, bring the collection cup to your care provider or lab office.
During a blood test The physician will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is placed in a small amount of blood, it is collected in a tube or vial. a test tube or bottle. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Something must be arranged to prepare for the blood sampling. the test ?
You will be asked to avoid certain products two to three days prior to your appointment. the test . These include:
- Caffeine – foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, chocolate
- Bananas
- Citrus fruits
- Vanilla products
There is a good chance you will still be asked to avoid stress and strong exercise because you test because they can affect catecholamine levels. Some medications may still affect their value. Tell your doctor which medications you are using.
Risks. the test ?
No urinary risk. test .
Not enough risk for blood. test The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore or bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If you show increased levels of pheochromocytoma. of catecholamines in your urine or blood, this may mean that you have a pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma or paraganglioma tumor. If you are being treated for one of these tumors, high content means that your treatment is not working.
High levels of these hormones do not necessarily mean that you have a tumor. Dopamine, noradrenaline, and/or adrenaline levels can be affected by stress, strong exercise, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.
If you have questions about the outcome for you or your baby, talk to your own care provider.
Is there really anything else I should know? catecholamine tests ?
These tests While it can help diagnose certain tumors, it does not tell you if the tumor is cancerous. Most tumors are not. If your results show increased degrees of these hormones, your doctor will probably order more of them. tests These include imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs, which can help your doctor obtain more information about your suspected tumor.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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