Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Catecholamines plasma, fractionated catecholamines, free catecholamines, adrenaline/noradrenaline test, epinephrine/norepinephrine test |
| Sample Type | Whole Blood (EDTA) |
| Fasting Required | Yes, 8 to 10 hours before sample collection |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all ages (including children for neuroblastoma screening) |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,800 |
What is a Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test?
The Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test measures the levels of key stress hormones in the blood. These hormones, produced mainly by the adrenal glands, play a central role in the body's response to stress and in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. The test is also known as the adrenaline/noradrenaline test or epinephrine/norepinephrine test. Doctors typically order it when they suspect certain rare hormone-producing tumours or disorders affecting the nervous system.
What Does a Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test Measure?
This test analyses three specific hormones in the blood. Each one has a distinct role in the body. The table below summarises what each hormone does.
| Parameter | Role in the Body |
|---|---|
| Adrenaline (Epinephrine) | A stress hormone that raises heart rate and energy during the body's fight-or-flight response |
| Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) | A hormone and neurotransmitter that helps control blood pressure and heart rate |
| Dopamine | Primarily active in the brain; involved in movement, mood, and reward responses |
Why is a Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test Done?
Doctors order this test when symptoms suggest abnormal hormone activity or a possible tumour. It is also used to monitor certain conditions over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
Symptoms in Adults:
- High blood pressure, especially if resistant to medication
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- Severe throbbing headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Pale skin
- Anxiety or panic-like symptoms
- Shaking or tremors
- Tingling in fingers or toes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
- High blood sugar
Symptoms in Children:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Lump in the abdomen or chest
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Unusual “dancing” eye movements
- Jerky limb movements
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify a range of conditions related to abnormal catecholamine production:
- Pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal glands)
- Paraganglioma (a tumour located near the adrenal glands)
- Neuroblastoma, a nerve tissue tumour that mainly affects infants and young children
- Autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage affecting automatic body functions)
- Extreme stress-related disorders and certain enzyme deficiencies
- Menkes syndrome (a disorder affecting copper metabolism) and baroreflex failure
Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test may be used after an initial result from plasma or urine metanephrine testing to confirm or rule out rare tumours such as pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. In patients already treated for these conditions or for neuroblastoma, repeat testing helps track whether treatment is working and whether the condition has recurred.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting ready for this test correctly is important, as several factors can affect the accuracy of the result.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes. You should not eat anything for at least 8 to 10 hours before your blood sample is taken. You may drink plain water during this time. If you have been asked to do an additional test alongside this one, check with your doctor whether any different fasting rules apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared before the test helps ensure your results are accurate. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Avoid tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas, citrus fruits, vanilla, walnuts, fava beans, avocados, cocoa, and liquorice for 2 to 3 days before your test.
- Stop vigorous exercise at least a couple of days before collection, as physical activity raises hormone levels.
- Try to stay as calm as possible in the days leading up to the test, as emotional stress also elevates readings.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you currently take, especially blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and any other regular prescriptions, as these can influence results.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for the blood draw.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The Catecholamines test procedure for the blood sample involves the following steps:
- You will be asked to lie down quietly in a relaxed position for about 30 minutes before the blood draw. This resting period is important for accurate results.
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area, usually inside the elbow, and draw approximately 2 ml of blood into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The sample is stored at refrigerated temperature (2 to 8°C) immediately after collection to preserve its integrity.
- The sample is dispatched to the laboratory, where it is analysed using an EIA (enzyme immunoassay) method.
- Your report will be ready within 7 days of sample collection.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can alter catecholamine readings and affect the reliability of your result:
- Physical activity or vigorous exercise before collection
- Emotional stress, anxiety, or distress at the time of the test
- Certain foods (caffeine, chocolate, bananas, citrus)
- Medications including antihypertensives, antidepressants, and amphetamines
- Body posture during the blood draw (lying down gives lower, more stable readings)
- Recent illness, injury, or trauma
- Time of day and kidney or heart conditions
Understanding Your Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test Results
Your results show the measured levels of each hormone in the blood. A doctor will review these values alongside your symptoms, medications, and medical history before drawing any conclusions.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenaline (Epinephrine) | 0 – 140 | pg/mL |
| Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) | 70 – 1700 | pg/mL |
| Dopamine | 0 – 30 | pg/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations and substances can cause results to shift significantly:
- Emotional or physical stress can cause a sharp, temporary rise in all catecholamine levels, even without any underlying disease.
- Medicines such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, clonidine, tricyclic antidepressants, and theophylline may raise or lower noradrenaline levels.
- Kidney disease, heart failure, and some neurological disorders can also alter readings.
- Hormonal changes during menopause may affect catecholamine metabolism, leading to shifts in measured levels.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support balanced hormone levels:
- Practise stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga on a regular basis.
- Maintain consistent sleep patterns and allow adequate rest each night.
- Limit caffeine, stimulants, and processed foods, which can trigger hormone fluctuations.
Lupin Diagnostics Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test Price and Home Collection
The Catecholamines test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹7,800, and home sample collection is available across select cities. The table below lists cities where this test can be booked.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7800 |
| CHENNAI | 7800 |
| HYDERABAD | 7800 |
| KOLKATA | 7800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7800 |
| PUNE | 7800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the Catecholamines test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Catecholamines test home collection is available across multiple cities, allowing you to have your sample collected at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Once your report is ready, you can access it digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catecholamine levels fluctuate throughout the day, so a single blood draw may not always reflect true average levels. A 24-hour urine collection is considered the preferred method in many clinical settings because it captures hormone output over a full day. However, your doctor will decide which test is most appropriate based on your clinical situation.
Clinical history is required as part of the Catecholamines test procedure at Lupin Diagnostics. Details about your symptoms, past test results, and current medications help the laboratory and your doctor interpret your results correctly. Without this context, borderline results may be difficult to assess accurately.
Yes, both physical exertion and emotional stress can raise catecholamine levels significantly. This is why you are asked to avoid exercise for a few days before the test and to rest lying down for about 30 minutes before the blood draw. Staying calm during and after collection also helps.
The report for this test is delivered within 7 days of sample collection. This accounts for the specialised EIA method used and the refrigerated transport requirements for the sample.
The procedure involves a standard blood draw, which most people experience as a brief, mild discomfort. There is a small chance of slight bruising or soreness at the needle site, but this usually settles quickly. The test is safe and well-tolerated.
Yes. Several medicines can influence catecholamine levels, including certain blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, and stimulants. Always give your doctor a full list of everything you take, including supplements, so they can account for any potential effects when interpreting your results.
Levels that are moderately elevated may simply reflect stress, physical activity, or a dietary trigger. Significantly elevated levels, generally more than twice the upper reference limit, may prompt your doctor to order further tests such as a CT scan or MRI to investigate whether a hormone-producing tumour is present. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps based on your full clinical picture.
Catecholamines (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
