What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing episodes of high blood pressure that come and go, unexplained rapid heartbeat, sudden sweating, headaches, or dizziness when standing up. It's often used when these symptoms don't fit a typical pattern and standard blood pressure treatments aren't working well. Your provider may suggest this test to rule out rare hormone-secreting tumors as the cause of these symptoms.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the three main catecholamines your nervous system produces, collected over a full 24-hour period along with creatinine to check that your sample collection was complete and accurate. Looking at all three together helps distinguish between different possible causes of symptoms like high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, since each one plays a different role in your body's stress response.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each catecholamine value shown alongside its normal range so you can see exactly where you stand. If levels are outside the normal range, next steps typically include repeating the test to confirm the finding, reviewing recent diet and medications that can affect results, and seeking follow-up testing if the numbers are significantly elevated. A downloadable standard lab report is included in your account, and you can track your results over time using the trends feature to watch for changes.

How can I naturally support healthy catecholamine levels?

Managing everyday stress through regular exercise, deep breathing, or meditation can help keep your stress hormone levels balanced. Getting consistent, quality sleep and limiting caffeine and nicotine also make a real difference, since both act as stimulants that can temporarily raise catecholamine levels. Staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals helps keep your nervous system steady throughout the day.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after the lab receives your 24-hour urine collection. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account, so there's no need to call and check. Because this is a timed collection test, accurate results depend on collecting all urine over the full 24 hours as instructed.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with episodes of unexplained high blood pressure, sudden pounding headaches, excessive sweating, or a racing heart that comes in waves rather than staying constant. It's also useful for those with orthostatic hypotension, meaning blood pressure drops sharply when standing up. People whose blood pressure isn't responding to typical treatment approaches may also benefit from this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for sudden spikes in blood pressure, a racing or pounding heartbeat, unexplained sweating, tremors, intense headaches, or feeling anxious or panicky without a clear cause. Some people also notice these symptoms come in short episodes and then fully resolve, which is a pattern worth tracking. If you feel lightheaded or faint when standing up, that's another symptom worth mentioning when you order this test.

What does high norepinephrine or epinephrine mean?

High levels of these stress hormones can point to your nervous system being overactive, which is sometimes caused by chronic stress, certain medications, or in rare cases a hormone-secreting tumor. Elevated results don't automatically mean something serious is wrong, since intense exercise, caffeine, and even certain foods can temporarily raise levels. If your results are significantly high, retesting after avoiding these factors and, if symptoms are severe such as a hypertensive crisis, seeking emergency medical care is recommended.

What causes high or low catecholamine levels?

Common causes of elevated catecholamines include intense physical or emotional stress, strenuous exercise before the test, certain medications, caffeine, nicotine, and some foods like bananas or citrus. Low levels are less common but can occur with certain autonomic nervous system conditions. Because so many everyday factors can affect results, following the pre-collection guidance closely helps ensure an accurate reading.

How often should I retest?

If your first results come back elevated, retesting is often recommended within a few weeks after adjusting diet, medications, and stress levels, to see if the levels normalize. If your results are within the normal range and you're not having ongoing symptoms, you likely don't need to retest unless new symptoms appear. Tracking results over time in your account can help you and anyone reviewing your history spot meaningful patterns.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Catecholamines Urine Test - Blood Pressure & Stress Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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