24 HOUR URINE CATECHOLAMINES

You should get a 24-hour urine catecholamines test if you have episodes of severe headache, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, or tremors, or high blood pressure that is hard to control or occurs in spells. It is also recommended for an adrenal mass found on a scan, a family history of pheochromocytoma, and suspected neuroblastoma in children.

For a 24-hour urine catecholamines test, avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), chocolate, bananas, vanilla, alcohol, and smoking for 2–3 days before and during collection. Avoid stress and strenuous exercise. Inform your doctor about antidepressants, decongestants, or blood pressure medicines, but don’t stop them without advice. Collect all urine for 24 hours, keeping it refrigerated.

No, fasting is not required for a 24-hour urine catecholamines test. However, you should avoid caffeine, chocolate, bananas, vanilla, alcohol, and smoking for 2–3 days before and during the collection, as they can falsely raise results. Also avoid stress and strenuous exercise during this period.