Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Fractionated Urinary Metanephrines Test, Urine Metanephrine and Normetanephrine Test, Free Metanephrines Test |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine collection |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; adults (reference ranges not established for children under 3 years) |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,900 |
What Is a Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test?
The metanephrines 24 hours urine test measures the levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine in urine collected over a full 24-hour period. These are breakdown products of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, the small organs that sit on top of each kidney. Doctors may order this test when a patient shows symptoms that suggest a rare adrenal tumour. It is also known as the fractionated urinary metanephrines test, urine metanephrine and normetanephrine test, or free metanephrines test.
What Does a Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test Measure?
The metanephrines test analyses a single parameter in your urine. Here is what each one represents:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Metanephrine | A breakdown product of epinephrine (adrenaline), produced by the adrenal glands |
Together, metanephrine and normetanephrine measurements give doctors a clear picture of whether the adrenal glands or related nerve tissue are producing hormones in excess.
Why Is a Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test Done?
This test is ordered when symptoms point to abnormal hormone production by the adrenal glands. It is also used to check for specific tumours that may not always be detected through a routine blood test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the metanephrines test if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden episodes of high blood pressure with no clear cause
- Severe or recurring headaches
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating without an obvious reason
- Trembling or feeling shaky
- Chest or abdominal pain
- A persistent feeling of anxiety or nervousness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The metanephrines 24 hours urine test helps identify or rule out:
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland that releases excess hormones
- Paraganglioma, a similar tumour that develops outside the adrenal gland
- Neuroblastoma, a rare tumour arising from nerve tissue that can produce catecholamines
- Resistant hypertension, where blood pressure does not respond to standard treatment and an adrenal cause is suspected
Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma has been treated or surgically removed, this test may be repeated at intervals to check whether hormone levels have returned to normal. Persistently elevated levels after treatment may suggest the tumour has recurred or that the initial treatment was not fully effective. Regular monitoring helps doctors manage long-term outcomes.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly is important for accurate results. The steps below will help you get ready for your metanephrines test procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not required for this test. However, you must follow strict dietary and medication restrictions in the days before and during collection, as certain foods and medicines can significantly affect your results. Always follow instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before you begin collection:
- Avoid coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, vanilla, and citrus fruits for at least two days before and throughout the collection period
- Do not consume caffeine-containing products during the collection period
- Avoid strenuous exercise and emotional stress for at least 24 hours before and during collection
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially tricyclic antidepressants, labetalol, and sotalol, as these may raise metanephrine levels; do not stop any medication without medical advice
Step-by-Step Procedure
The metanephrines test procedure involves collecting all urine produced over exactly 24 hours. Follow these steps:
- On the morning of day 1, empty your bladder completely and discard this first void. Note the time, as this is your start time.
- From this point, collect every urine sample for the next 24 hours in the sterile, screw-capped plastic container provided by the laboratory.
- Keep the container refrigerated (between 2°C and 8°C) throughout the entire collection period.
- Add the HCl preservative to the container at the start of collection, as instructed by your lab.
- On the morning of day 2, collect your final urine sample at approximately the same time you started.
- Note the total volume collected in the container and return it promptly to the laboratory or hand it to the collection team.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Emotional or physical stress during the collection period
- Vigorous exercise immediately before or during collection
- Dietary items such as caffeine, bananas, chocolate, and vanilla
- Certain medications, including antidepressants, amphetamines, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Incomplete urine collection over the 24-hour period
- Improper refrigeration of the sample
- Incorrect measurement or omission of total urine volume
Understanding Your Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with a qualified doctor, who will consider them alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other investigations. The table below shows general adult reference ranges:
| Age Group | Male (mcg/24 h) | Female (mcg/24 h) |
|---|---|---|
| 3–8 years | 29-92 | 18-144 |
| 9–12 years | 59-188 | 43-122 |
| 13–17 years | 69-221 | 33-185 |
| ≥18 years | 44-261 | 30-180 |
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 can affect your metanephrine levels even in the absence of a tumour. Your doctor will take these into account when reviewing your results:
- Intense physical activity, severe illness, or significant emotional stress can cause elevated levels.
- Antidepressants, amphetamines, and drugs such as MAOIs can raise readings considerably, particularly if combined with a diet rich in tyramine-containing foods.
- Improper specimen collection or inadequate refrigeration may lead to unreliable results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support healthy adrenal function:
- Manage day-to-day stress through regular relaxation, adequate sleep, and gentle physical activity.
- Limit caffeine and maintain a balanced diet, reducing foods that can interfere with catecholamine metabolism.
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have a family history of adrenal tumours or hereditary syndromes.
Lupin Diagnostics Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test Price and Home Collection
The metanephrines test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,900, and home sample collection is available across major cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2900 |
| CHENNAI | 2900 |
| HYDERABAD | 2900 |
| KOLKATA | 2900 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2900 |
| PUNE | 2900 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The metanephrines test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics is quick and 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
The metanephrines test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will deliver the appropriate collection container, including the required preservative, to your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is accessible once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The metanephrines 24 hours urine test is primarily used to detect or rule out rare tumours called pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, which release excess hormones into the bloodstream. It is also used to monitor patients after treatment for these conditions. Your doctor may order it if you have unexplained high blood pressure or symptoms like sudden sweating and rapid heartbeat.
You discard the first morning urine, then collect every urine sample over the next 24 hours in a sterile container provided by the lab. The container must be kept refrigerated and should contain the HCl preservative throughout. On day 2, collect the final sample at roughly the same time you started, then return the container to the lab.
Hormone levels can fluctuate significantly during the day. A 24-hour collection captures the total output over time, which makes it easier to detect excess production that a single blood sample might miss. This approach gives a more reliable picture of adrenal gland activity.
Several medications can interfere with results, including tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, amphetamines, labetalol, methyldopa, and certain nasal decongestants. Always speak with your doctor before stopping or changing any medication ahead of the metanephrines test procedure.
Avoid coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, vanilla, and citrus fruits for at least two days before the test and throughout the collection period. These foods contain compounds that can raise metanephrine readings and lead to inaccurate results.
Yes. Physical and emotional stress can increase hormone release and cause elevated readings. Try to avoid intense exercise and stressful situations for at least 24 hours before and during the collection period to help ensure accurate results.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for this test is typically available within 4 days from the time the sample reaches the laboratory. Results are delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Metanephrines, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
