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Test Code
PCAT
Test Name
CATECHOLAMINES, FRACT, PLASMA
CPT Codes
82384
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

Not recommended for evaluation of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. Use to evaluate clinical symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion. 
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Plasma

Collection Container: Green Top (Sodium or Lithium Heparin)

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA)

Desired Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Collect a green top (lithium or sodium heparin) tube via venipuncture.
  2. For optimum assessment, patient should be supine for 30 minutes prior to specimen collection.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Separate plasma from cells within one hour of collection.
  2. Transfer 3 mL of plasma to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap) and freeze immediately.
  3. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be calm and seated for 15 minutes prior to collection. Alternately, patient may be calm and supine for 30 minutes prior to collection. Drugs and medications may affect results and should be discontinued for 72 hours prior to specimen collection, if possible.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 
Stability Requirements

Frozen

-20°C: 1 month

-70°C: 1 year
Methodology
Quantitative High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Reference Intervals

 See patient report.
Limitations

Medications may interfere with catecholamines and metabolites. The effect of drugs on catecholamine results may not be predictable.

Children, particularly those under 2 years of age, often show an elevated catecholamine response to stress.
Reference Lab
ARUP Laboratories
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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