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HelpMayo Test ID PMET Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, Plasma
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Use of an Epi-pen within the last 7 days may produce inaccurate results.
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Useful For
Screening test for presumptive diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Metanephrines, Fract., Free, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Refrigerated | 14 days | ||
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
Pheochromocytoma is a rare, though potentially lethal, tumor of chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla that produces episodes of hypertension with palpitations, severe headaches, and sweating ("spells"). Patients with pheochromocytoma may also be asymptomatic and present with sustained hypertension or an incidentally discovered adrenal mass.
Pheochromocytomas and other tumors derived from neural crest cells (eg, paragangliomas and neuroblastomas) secrete catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Metanephrine and normetanephrine (collectively referred to as metanephrines) are the 3-methoxy metabolites of epinephrine and norepinephrine, respectively. The metanephrines are stable metabolites and are cosecreted directly with catecholamines by pheochromocytomas and other neural crest tumors. This results in sustained elevations in plasma free metanephrine levels, making them more sensitive and specific than plasma catecholamines in the identification of pheochromocytoma patients.(1) Metanephrine and normetanephrine are both further metabolized to conjugated metanephrines and vanillylmandelic acid.
Reference Values
METANEPHRINE, FREE
<0.50 nmol/L
NORMETANEPHRINE, FREE
<0.90 nmol/L
Interpretation
In the normal population, plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels are low, but in patients with pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas, the concentrations may be significantly elevated. This is due to the relatively long half-life of these compounds, ongoing secretion by the tumors and, to a lesser degree, peripheral conversion of tumor-secreted catecholamines into metanephrines.
Measurement of plasma free metanephrines appears to be the best test for excluding pheochromocytoma. The test's sensitivity approaches 100%, making it extremely unlikely that individuals with normal plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels suffer from pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.(1,2)
Due to the low prevalence of pheochromocytomas and related tumors (<1:100,000), it is recommended to confirm elevated plasma free metanephrines with a second, different testing strategy in order to avoid large numbers of false-positive test results.(3) The recommended second-line test is measurement of fractionated 24-hour urinary metanephrines (METAF / Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour, Urine). In most cases this strategy will suffice in confirming or excluding the diagnosis. Occasionally, it will be necessary to extend this approach if there is a very high clinical index of suspicion or if test results are nonconclusive. In these cases, repeat plasma and urinary metanephrines testing, additional measurement of plasma or urinary catecholamines, or imaging procedures might be indicated.
Elevated results are reported with appropriate comments.
Cautions
While most circulating metanephrines are derived directly from adrenal secretion, peripheral conversion of catecholamines makes a small contribution. Therefore, substances that increase endogenous catecholamine levels can result in borderline elevations of plasma metanephrines. These include:
-Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI-a class of antidepressants with marked effects on catecholamine levels, particularly if the patient consumes tyrosine-rich foods such as nuts, bananas, or cheese)
-Catecholamine reuptake inhibitors including cocaine and synthetic cocaine derivatives such as many local anesthetics, some of which also are antiarrhythmic drugs (eg, lidocaine)
-Some anesthetic gases, particularly halothane
-Withdrawal from sedative drugs, medical or recreational, particularly alcohol, benzodiazepines (eg, Valium), opioids, and some central acting antihypertensive drugs, particularly clonidine, but, generally not cannabis or other hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, mescal, or peyote
The observed elevations of plasma metanephrines are usually minor.
We are currently not aware of any substances that interfere directly with the assay.
Artifactually decreased plasma metanephrine levels may be observed when patients are already receiving metyrosine treatment. This drug may be administered in suspected or confirmed cases of pheochromocytoma while awaiting definitive treatment. It inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in catecholamine synthesis.
Clinical Reference
1. Eisenhofer G. Free or total metanephrines for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma: what is the difference? Clin Chem. 2001;47(6):988-989
2. Lenders JW, Pacek K, Walther MM, et al. Biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma: which test is best? JAMA. 2002;287(11):1427-1434
3. Sawka AM, Jaeschke R, Singh RJ, Young WF Jr. A comparison of biochemical tests for pheochromocytoma: measurement of fractionated plasma metanephrines compared to the combination of 24-hour urinary metanephrines and catecholamines. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(2):553-558
4. Algeciras-Schimnich A, Preissner CM, Young WF Jr, et al. Plasma chromogranin A or urine fractionated metanephrines follow-up testing improves the diagnostic accuracy of plasma fractionated metanephrines for pheochromocytoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(1):91-95. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-1354
5. Eisenhofer G, Deutschbein T, Constantinescu G, et al. Plasma metanephrines and prospective prediction of tumor location, size and mutation type in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020;59(2):353-363. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-0904
Method Description
Free metanephrine and normetanephrine are extracted from plasma using solid phase extraction. The concentrated eluate is analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and quantified using stable isotope-labeled internal standards, d3-metanephrine and d3-normetanephrine.(Taylor RL, Singh RJ: Validation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for analysis of urinary conjugated metanephrine and normetanephrine for screening of pheochromocytoma. Clin Chem. 2002;48[3]:533-539)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 weeksPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83835
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PMET | Metanephrines, Fract., Free, P | 57772-6 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 10140 | Normetanephrine, Free | 40851-8 |
| 10139 | Metanephrine, Free | 49700-8 |