What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being monitored for a rare tumor called a neuroblastoma or a dopamine-secreting tumor near your adrenal glands (called a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma). It's often used alongside other tests when there's a family history of these conditions or when imaging or symptoms point to an adrenal or nerve tissue tumor. This is a specialized test, so it's typically ordered as a follow-up to other findings rather than as a first step.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal range for plasma dopamine so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level is outside the expected range, the report explains what that may mean, and retesting or additional related tests (like HVA or metanephrines) are often the next step. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your dopamine levels over multiple tests if you're being monitored over time.

Who should consider this test?

This test is best for people who are already being evaluated or monitored for a neuroblastoma or a dopamine-producing adrenal tumor, including children and adults with a related family history. It's also useful if you have high blood pressure or other symptoms suggestive of a hormone-secreting tumor but your initial screening tests came back normal. Because this is a specialized test, it's usually used to add detail to a picture your care team is already building, not as a general wellness check.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms that might point to a dopamine-related tumor include unexplained high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, headaches, and unexplained weight loss. In children, signs like a lump in the belly, bone pain, or unexplained fevers can be linked to neuroblastoma. If you have a strong family history of these tumors, testing may also be considered even without obvious symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once ready, they'll be posted directly to your online account where you can view and download them. You'll be able to see your dopamine value alongside the reference range right away.

What is dopamine and why does it matter?

Dopamine is a chemical made by your nervous system and adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and mood. Certain rare tumors, like neuroblastomas and some adrenal tumors, can produce extra dopamine, which is why measuring it in blood can help detect or monitor these conditions. Tracking dopamine levels over time can also show whether a tumor is responding to treatment or coming back.

What does high dopamine mean?

A higher-than-normal dopamine level can suggest the presence of a dopamine-secreting tumor, such as a neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, or paraganglioma. It doesn't automatically mean a serious diagnosis, since some medications and even recent stress can raise levels temporarily. If your result is high, retesting and looking at related markers like HVA or metanephrines can help clarify what's going on.

What causes high or low dopamine?

High dopamine is most often linked to dopamine-producing tumors, but stress, certain medications, and even how the blood sample was handled can affect results. Low or normal dopamine doesn't rule out a tumor, since not all of these tumors release large amounts of dopamine. Because dopamine can fluctuate, results are best understood alongside your symptoms, imaging, and other lab markers.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency really depends on why you're being tested in the first place — for tumor monitoring, retesting every few months is common, while for a one-time evaluation, you may only need a single test. If you're tracking treatment response, more frequent testing may be recommended during active treatment and less often once things stabilize. Use the trends feature in your account to keep an eye on changes over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your dopamine level comes back outside the normal range, the report will explain what that value typically means, and a retest is often a reasonable next step to confirm the result. Related tests, like urinary or plasma metanephrines and HVA, can help build a fuller picture. If you experience severe symptoms like a dangerously high heart rate, chest pain, or very high blood pressure, seek medical care right away.

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.

Plasma Dopamine Test - Neuroblastoma & Tumor Screening

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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