Metanephrines

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Metanephrines
24MET, METSU, metadrenaline, normetadrenaline, normetanephrine, phaeochromacytoma, paraganglioma
24hr urine collection into glacial acetic acid preservative. Sample pH must be between 4-6 Spot urine may be used in certain instances (e.g. children).
1 week
Metanephrines are the products of adrenaline and noradrenaline catabolism by the enzyme COMT, resulting in metadrenaline and normetadrenaline. Urine metanephrines are a sensitive (97%) screening test for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma and may have some diagnostic value in the assessment of neuroblastoma in paedriatics.
Capsaicin, which causes the hot sensation in spicy food may interfere with the assay. Patients are asked to refrain from eating spicy food for 7 days before starting a 24hr urine collection.

Random urine metanephrine & normetanephrine: A reference interval for this test result has not been provided because individual factors, such as medications, diet, and other health conditions, may significantly affect the interpretation of the results. For further discussion, please contact the Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

 

24hr Urine Ranges:

Metanephrine:

  • Male - less than 1.9 umol/24hr
  • Female - less than 1.4 umol/24hr

Normetanephrine:

Male -

  • 18-40 years old -  less than 3.6 umol/24hr
  • 40-60 years old  - less than 4.3 umol/24hr
  • >60 years old - less than 4.5 umol/24hr

Female -

  • 18-40 years old -  less than 3.0 umol/24hr
  • 40-60 years old  - less than 3.5 umol/24hr
  • >60 years old - less than 3.7 umol/24hr

Metanephrines:Creatinine Ratio

Metanephrine

  • under 20yr less than 0.12umol/mmol
  • over 20yr less than 0.25umol/mmol

Normetanephrine

  • under 1yr less than 0.5 umol/mmol
  • 1-2yr less than 0.35umol/mmol
  • 3-4yr less than 0.25 umol/mmol
  • 5-7yr less than 0.20umol/mmol
  • 8-10yr less than 0.15umol/mmol
  • 11-13yr less than 0.12umol/mmol
  • 14-19yr less than 0.10umol/mmol
  • over 20yr less than 0.40umol/mmol
10.3% (Metanephrine), 8.8% (Normetanephrine)
62.3% (Metanephrine), 60.6% (Normetanephrine)