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Test Code: Mnep Preferred Name Metanephrines - plasma

No
Contact La
4x/week
1 week
Medicare Item
N/A

Test Tubes

ImageSpecimen TypeSpecimen VolumeTube Type
Plasma2 mLLithium Heparin 2 mL no gel paed (Dark Green)

COLLECTION NOTES

While the following notes are preferable they are not essential.
Patients should rest lying down for 30 min before blood collection. If the patient has an intense fear of venipuncture or where blood collection is difficult, please insert an indwelling cannula when the patient lies down and use it to collect the blood after the 30 minute rest period.  
If the patient is not able to comply then please collect as per routine collection and note on request form the patient was sitting without the 30 minute rest period.

On the day of the test it is imperative that patients avoid intense exercise (e.g. gym workout, cycling, jogging, swimming laps) before the blood is collected.

It is also preferable that patients:
1. Avoid catecholamine-rich food (fruits, fruit drinks, nuts, potatoes, tomatoes and beans) for at least 24 hours before blood collection.
2. Avoid nicotine (e.g. smoking, nicotine patches or nicotine gum) on the day of the test until after testing.
3. Fast (water permitted) for 8 hours prior to testing.

In some patients (e.g. children) it may be impossible to meet the above three points. In these patients it is acceptable to:
1. Allow up to 4 servings of catecholamine-rich food in the last 24 hours before blood collection.
2. Allow minimal nicotine (e.g. one cigarette) on the day of the test before blood collection.
3. Not fast.

Please contact a Chemical Pathologist if questions remain regarding the above testing requirements.

A lithium heparin specimen without gel is preferred.  The sample must arrive in the laboratory on a cold pack within 3 hours of collection to allow time to process and aliquot.

GENERAL NOTES




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