Quantitative determination of free plasma metanephrines for diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting tumours. Performed by LC-MS/MS.
3 analytes
3–5 working days
This method measures three O-methylated catecholamine metabolites in plasma for the biochemical diagnosis and exclusion of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma.
Clinical indications include:
| Analyte / Group | Components | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Metanephrine | MN | O-methylated metabolite of adrenaline (epinephrine) |
| Normetanephrine | NMN | O-methylated metabolite of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) |
| 3-Methoxytyramine | 3-MT | O-methylated metabolite of dopamine; marker of dopamine-secreting tumours |
Plasma free metanephrines have the highest sensitivity (96–100%) of any biochemical test for phaeochromocytoma, making them the recommended first-line test.
Metanephrines are produced by the continuous intratumoral metabolism of catecholamines by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Unlike catecholamines themselves, which are released episodically, metanephrines are produced continuously by tumour tissue, providing a more reliable biochemical marker.
Sensitivity for phaeochromocytoma detection
Covering adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine pathways
Recommended first-line biochemical test by Endocrine Society
Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare catecholamine-secreting tumours with potentially life-threatening consequences including hypertensive crisis, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Early biochemical detection is critical, as surgical resection is curative in the majority of cases.
The inclusion of 3-methoxytyramine extends diagnostic coverage to dopamine-secreting tumours, which may present without the classic hypertensive symptoms and can be missed by tests measuring only metanephrine and normetanephrine.
Plasma free metanephrines are measured by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS following solid-phase extraction. This approach provides the specificity necessary to avoid false positives from interfering substances and medications, which is a significant limitation of immunoassay-based methods.
Blood should be drawn after 20–30 minutes of supine rest to minimise sympathetic activation-related false elevations. Medications known to interfere (tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors) should be noted on the request form.
From enquiry to results — a straightforward process.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Metanephrine, normetanephrine, and 3-methoxytyramine are metabolites of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine respectively. They are produced continuously by catecholamine-secreting tumours.
Unlike catecholamines (which are released in bursts), metanephrines are produced continuously by tumour tissue. Plasma free metanephrines by LC-MS/MS have the highest sensitivity (96–100%) for detecting phaeochromocytoma.
Venous blood draw after 20–30 minutes of supine rest. Specific collection protocol to minimise false positives.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS.
Stress, exercise, certain medications (tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, decongestants), caffeine, and incorrect sample collection. LC-MS/MS is more specific than immunoassay, reducing false positives.
Masdiag's metanephrines test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.