Metanephrine in urine

Methanephrine in urine

Metanephrine (methoxyadrenaline) - a metabolite of epinephrine. Catecholamines, mainly epinephrine and norepinephrine, are formed in the pheochromocytic cells of the adrenal medulla from tyrosine. The secretion of catecholamines is the body's response to stressful stimuli such exercise, pain, hypoxia, hypoglycemia. The release of catecholamines causes an increase in blood pressure, acceleration of heart rate, elevation of glucose levels and general mobilization of the body.
Determination of catecholamine metabolites is performed in the diagnosis of chromaffin tumors and other neuroendocrine tumors that can produce catecholamines, resulting in an increase in catecholamines and their metabolites in the blood and urine. Metanephrines are also determined in patients with hypertension.


The test allows assessment of the secretion of catecholamines over the last 24 hours.



The test, performed in a daily urine collection, requires a preservative. For 4 days prior to collection, avoid taking  certain medications, so consult your doctor prior to the test, as well as bananas, vanilla, chocolate, caffeine and peanuts.

Before collecting urine, be sure to get information from the collection center staff about the preservative.

How to prepare for the test?

Diet, exercise and some medications can affect the concentration of methoxycatecholamines, so proper preparation is necessary so that these factors do not affect the test result. For 4 days before the intake, avoid taking  certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as dietary supplements.

It is also recommended to avoid for several days before the test and during the urine collection such products as caffeine (including, for example, coffee, tea), vanilla, chocolate, nuts, bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits, alcohol. Therefore, before starting urine collection, consult your doctor about the required preparation.

Stress and exercise should also be minimized before and during urine collection, as these factors can increase the release of catecholamines.