Specimen Collection
NOTE: Urine metanephrines is the preferred test for phaeochromocytoma; HVA, 3-methoxytyramine and catecholamines for neuroblastoma.
Specimens:
FOR URGENT REQUESTS PLEASE CONTACT LABLINK ON 22000
Children:
A random urine from a child is satisfactory. In this case, the concentration will be related to creatinine output.
SPECIMEN:
Random urine
-
Random paediatric specimens must be transported to the laboratory immediately for acidification.
Adult:
Specimen: 24 h urine collected into a 2L bottle containing acid (20 mL of 6 mol/L HCl). Acid preservative essential.
Reference Intervals
Random Urine:
|
Age
|
HVA / Creatinine
(umol/mmol)
|
|
< 3 months
|
<22
|
|
3 months - < 1 year
|
<25
|
|
1 year - < 2 years
|
<16
|
|
2 years - < 5 years
|
<13
|
|
5 years - < 10 years
|
<10
|
|
10 years - < 15 years
|
<6
|
24h Urine:
|
Age
|
24 hr HVA
|
|
Units:
|
(umol/d)
|
|
10 - < 15 years
|
<58
|
|
15 years and older
|
<56
|
Uncertainty of Measurement:
8%
Turnaround Time: Within 1 week
Special arrangements can be made following discussion with Chemical Pathologist if urgent testing is required.
Assay Method
Principle
: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
(LCMS)
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
For the diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas.
Also sometimes increased with phaeochromocytoma.
See catecholamines
Catecholamines
Contact Information
Emails to
chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz
will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via
Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours
: contact
Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad
(Clinical Lead)
:
SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz
ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle:
CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz
ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu:
WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz
ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron:
CHeron@adhb.govt.nz
ext. 23427
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Children:
A random urine from a child is satisfactory. In this case, the concentration will be related to creatinine output.
SPECIMEN:
Random urine
-
Random paediatric specimens must be transported to the laboratory immediately for acidification, prior to transport to LabPLUS.
-
Acidify to a pH of 3-4 within 3 hours. If Catecholamines are also requested, acidify within 2 hours.
Adult:
Specimen: 24 h urine collected into a 2L bottle containing acid (20 mL of 6 mol/L HCl). Acid preservative essential.