Preferred test for ruling out pheochromocytoma. The 24 hr Urine fractionated metanephrines (RUFMET), is almost as good, but less convenient. It is commonly used as a confirmatory test to support a positive plasma free metanephrines (RPLMET) result.
For a recent review of the biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, see Pacak K et al. Nature Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab 2007; 3:92-102.PMID: 17237836
Synonyms
Fractionated metanephrines-plasma, free metanephrine-plasma, MEN, MEN IIA, MEN IIB, multiple endocrine neoplasia, neuroendocrine, NMN (Normetanephrines)-plasma, paraganglioma, phaeochromocytoma, pheochromocytoma, Soft-PMET
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reference Range
See individual components
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
9 mL blood in a LAVENDER TOP (EDTA) tube(s).
Quantity
Requested: 2.5 mL EDTA plasma + 0.5 mL EDTA plasma
Minimum: 1.1 mL EDTA plasma
Processing
Receiving Instructions
Note: This request generate 2 aliquot labels (UCGEN, U/HSENDF).
UCGEN*: 0.5 mL (min. 0.25 mL) EDTA plasma frozen in plastic vial.
U/HSENDF: send 2.5 mL of EDTA plasma frozen in plastic vial. Note: UCGEN aliquot will be used to set up assay in house, so if processed plasma is less than 1.7 mL, do not make an aliquot for UCGEN. Send out to Mayo only.
Sendouts, order Mayo test # 81609
Specimen Transport Temperature: FrozenRefrig OKAmbient NO
*HMC SPS: Please be aware that the split sample for UCGEN will not be on the cross-hospital pending log.