The Metanephrines, Random Urine Test measures the levels of metanephrines (metanephrine and normetanephrine), which are the stable breakdown products (metabolites) of the catecholamine hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
Catecholamines are produced primarily by the adrenal glands and nerve tissues. The main clinical use of measuring metanephrines is to screen for a rare tumor called Pheochromocytoma (in the adrenal gland) or Paraganglioma (outside the adrenal gland). These tumors produce excessive, unregulated amounts of catecholamines, leading to persistently elevated metanephrine levels.
Measuring metanephrines in a random urine sample is sometimes used for convenience, though the 24-hour urine collection is generally preferred for its better sensitivity.
At Augmentum Diagnostics, an NABL-Accredited Lab in Delhi, including our location near Dwarka, we provide specialized biochemical testing for the accurate diagnosis of endocrine tumors.
