Urine metanephrines (24 hour)
What this test measures
Metanephrines are breakdown products of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Measuring them in a day's urine screens for a rare adrenal tumour that makes too much of these hormones.
Why doctors request it
Requested for high blood pressure with episodes of palpitations, sweating and headache, or an adrenal lump found on a scan.
What commonly pushes it up
- A tumour making adrenaline or noradrenaline
- Severe stress, pain or acute illness
- Some medicines as a class, for example some antidepressants and decongestants
- Sleep apnoea
What commonly pushes it down
- There is no meaningful low value
Everyday reasons for a value outside the range
- Stress and several common medicines raise them
- Collection errors are common, so it is repeated
About the sample
Every drop for exactly 24 hours in an acidified bottle.
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Read my report freeThis is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.