Plasma catecholamines blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Catecholamines are hormones and nerve messengers made by the adrenal glands and the nervous system. Adrenaline and noradrenaline drive the fight or flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar so the body can respond to stress, while dopamine acts mainly as a messenger in the brain and nerves. Levels rise naturally with exercise, pain, fear, illness and caffeine, then fall again.

The main medical reason for measuring catecholamines is to look for rare tumours called phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma, which can release these hormones in bursts. Symptoms can include episodes of headache, sweating, a racing heart and high blood pressure. These tumours are uncommon, and most people with such symptoms have another explanation, such as anxiety, thyroid problems or medicine side effects.

The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have repeated episodes of pounding heartbeat, sweating and headache together.
• Your blood pressure is very high, swings widely or does not respond to treatment.
• You have a family history of phaeochromocytoma or an inherited syndrome linked to it.
• A scan has shown a growth on an adrenal gland and your specialist wants hormone tests.
• Your GP or practitioner has suggested catecholamine testing.

Understanding your result

Your report shows the laboratory reference range for each catecholamine. Mildly raised levels are common and are often caused by stress, posture, caffeine, smoking or medicines rather than a tumour. Markedly raised levels, particularly of noradrenaline or adrenaline, need further assessment with your GP and an endocrinology team, who may use plasma or urine metanephrines and imaging. Catecholamines are not a stand-alone tumour test and cannot diagnose or rule out a tumour by themselves.

A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. If you have severe headache, chest pain or a very fast heartbeat that does not settle, call 999 or go to A&E.

Preparing for your test

Catecholamines are very sensitive to stress and activity. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, strenuous exercise and, where possible, bananas, chocolate and vanilla for 24 hours, and fast for 8 hours beforehand, drinking only water. You will rest lying or seated quietly before the sample. Many medicines, including some antidepressants and blood pressure tablets, can interfere, so tell us what you take, but do not stop any prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Because thyroid overactivity can cause similar symptoms, our thyroid tests are often useful first. The cortisol test looks at another stress hormone. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a catecholamines test in Chiswick?

The Catecholamines test costs £429 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. It covers the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report if requested.

Can this test measure everyday stress?

Not reliably. Catecholamines change from minute to minute, so a single reading does not reflect your general stress levels.

Why do I need to rest before the sample?

Standing, moving or feeling anxious about the needle can raise levels. Resting quietly gives a more accurate result.

Is this the same as a metanephrines test?

No. Metanephrines are breakdown products of catecholamines and are often preferred by specialists for screening, so your practitioner may discuss them with you.