Also Known As
Plasma metadrenalines
Formal Name
Plasma free metadrenalines (normetadrenaline and metadrenaline)
This article was last reviewed on
This article waslast modified on 29 September 2019.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose or rule out a phaeochromocytoma

When To Get Tested?

When you have persistent or episodic high blood pressure and symptoms such as headaches, rapid heart rate, and sweating

Sample Required?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.

Test Preparation Needed?

Not required. Please inform your healthcare professional of any medication (prescription and non prescription) that you are taking.

On average it takes 7 working days for the blood test results to come back from the hospital, depending on the exact tests requested. Some specialist test results may take longer, if samples have to be sent to a reference (specialist) laboratory. The X-ray & scan results may take longer. If you are registered to use the online services of your local practice, you may be able to access your results online. Your GP practice will be able to provide specific details.

If the doctor wants to see you about the result(s), you will be offered an appointment. If you are concerned about your test results, you will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor so that all relevant information including age, ethnicity, health history, signs and symptoms, laboratory and other procedures (radiology, endoscopy, etc.), can be considered.

Lab Tests Online-UK is an educational website designed to provide patients and carers with information on laboratory tests used in medical care. We are not a laboratory and are unable to comment on an individual's health and treatment.

Reference ranges are dependent on many factors, including patient age, sex, sample population, and test method, and numeric test results can have different meanings in different laboratories.

For these reasons, you will not find reference ranges for the majority of tests described on this web site. The lab report containing your test results should include the relevant reference range for your test(s). Please consult your doctor or the laboratory that performed the test(s) to obtain the reference range if you do not have the lab report.

For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.

What is being tested?

The plasma free metadrenalines test measures the amount of metadrenaline and normetadrenaline in the blood. These substances are metabolites of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Adrenaline and noradrenaline are catecholamine hormones that help regulate blood pressure.

Catecholamines are produced in the adrenal medulla – the interior portion of the adrenal glands – and secreted into the blood. Once these...

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