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Free Metanephrine in Urine

Price5.200 RSD
Result in8 days
SampleUrine
Free Metanephrine in Urine test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Written byMilica Ranković Free Metanephrine in Urine test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Medically reviewed byDr. Igor Švonja, MD

Published: Updated:

The Free Metanephrine urine test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring adrenal gland tumors. At IntroLab, we are committed to delivering top-quality laboratory services to assist you and your doctor in achieving the best possible health outcomes.

What is Free Metanephrine in Urine?

Metanephrines are metabolites of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are produced by the adrenal glands. ‘Free’ in ‘Free Metanephrine’ refers to the unbound form of metanephrines, meaning they are not attached to other molecules.

As a key indicator of hormonal activity, elevated levels of metanephrines can suggest the presence of adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytomas) or of paragangliomas located outside the adrenal glands. These rare tumors can cause an overproduction of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased levels of metanephrines.

When is this Test Needed?

The Free Metanephrine urine test is usually recommended when there is a suspicion of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, especially if symptoms such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Tremors

This test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment or check for recurrence in patients who have previously had these tumors.

How is the Test Conducted?

The test requires collecting a 24-hour urine sample. This involves gathering all urine over a 24-hour period in a special container. It is crucial to follow the procedure accurately to ensure reliable results.

Preparing for the Test

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the test. This may include avoiding certain foods and medications that could affect the results. You will be provided with a container for urine collection and detailed guidelines on how to correctly collect and store the samples.

Types of Tests

Besides the Free Metanephrine urine test, there are other related tests, such as the total metanephrines urine test (which measures both bound and free metanephrines) and the plasma metanephrines test. The choice of test depends on the specific circumstances and requirements.

Sample and preparation: Free Metanephrine in Urine

Sample
Urine
Sampling
Urine collection
Result in
8 days
Preparation
A 24-hour urine sample is collected in a special container. Your doctor may advise avoiding certain foods and medications that can affect the result.
Category
Urine analysis

Frequently asked questions

What is metanephrine?

Metanephrine is a breakdown product of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are released by the adrenal glands. The Free Metanephrine in Urine test measures free, unbound metanephrines and is an important test when pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor) or paraganglioma is suspected, rare tumors that produce too much of these hormones. It is also used for monitoring after treatment. At IntroLab laboratory the test costs 5,200 RSD, and results are ready in 8 days.

What does high metanephrine mean?

Elevated metanephrine in urine may point to pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, tumors that lead to excess production of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Results can also be affected by incorrect urine collection, certain foods and medications, so a single elevated result is not a diagnosis by itself. The Free Metanephrine in Urine result from IntroLab laboratory is always interpreted by a doctor, together with symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, headaches and tremors.

How is urine collected for metanephrine, and is preparation needed?

For the Free Metanephrine in Urine test, a 24-hour urine sample is collected, meaning all urine passed over 24 hours goes into a special container. Correct collection is important, because the accuracy of the result depends on it. Your doctor may advise avoiding certain foods and medications that affect the result before the test. At IntroLab laboratory you receive a container and detailed instructions for collecting and storing the urine, and results are ready in 8 days.

Urine analysis

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