Dopamine, EDTA Plasma

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Report in 120Hrs

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No Fasting Required

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Measures dopamine levels.

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Dopamine, EDTA Plasma - Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

Section 1: Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, movement, motivation, and cardiovascular function. This test measures dopamine levels in EDTA plasma to assess neuroendocrine function and detect abnormalities in dopamine metabolism.
- Primary Indications: Diagnosis and monitoring of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (catecholamine-producing tumors); Evaluation of autonomic nervous system disorders; Assessment of Parkinson's disease progression; Investigation of hypertension or hemodynamic instability; Evaluation of adrenal or neuroendocrine disorders; Monitoring response to dopamine agonist therapy
- Timing and Circumstances: Performed when catecholamine excess is suspected; Part of comprehensive catecholamine assessment (usually with epinephrine and norepinephrine); During evaluation of unexplained hypertension or tachycardia; When neurological or endocrine disorders affecting dopamine are suspected; Prior to and during treatment with dopamine-modifying medications
Section 2: Normal Range
- Reference Range Values: Dopamine (supine, EDTA plasma): 0-30 pg/mL (or 0-195 pmol/L)
- Units of Measurement: Picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or picomoles per liter (pmol/L); EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is the anticoagulant used in sample collection
- Interpretation of Results: Normal Result: Dopamine levels within reference range indicate appropriate neuroendocrine function; Elevated Result (>30 pg/mL): Suggests possible catecholamine-secreting tumor, autonomic dysfunction, or medication effects; Low Result (<0 pg/mL): Rarely clinically significant as dopamine is expected in plasma; Borderline Elevation: May warrant repeat testing or additional evaluation with other catecholamines
- Normal vs. Abnormal: Normal levels indicate appropriate autonomic nervous system function and absence of excessive catecholamine production; Abnormal elevation typically indicates pathological conditions requiring further investigation and possible intervention
Section 3: Interpretation
- Detailed Result Interpretation: Mildly Elevated (31-100 pg/mL): May indicate stress response, certain medications, or mild autonomic dysfunction; Moderately Elevated (101-500 pg/mL): Suggests possible neuroendocrine disorder or catecholamine-producing tumor; Significantly Elevated (>500 pg/mL): Highly suggestive of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma; Results should always be interpreted in clinical context with patient symptoms and other findings
- Clinical Significance: Elevated dopamine with elevated norepinephrine/epinephrine: Strongly suggestive of pheochromocytoma; Isolated dopamine elevation: May indicate dopamine-secreting tumor or autonomic disorder; Serial elevations: More clinically significant than single elevated result; Patient position during testing: Supine values are lower; sitting or standing may elevate levels
- Factors Affecting Results: Physical activity and exercise (elevates levels); Stress and anxiety; Caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamine use; Medications: decongestants, stimulants, some antipsychotics, methyldopa withdrawal; Recent food intake; Body position during collection; Time of day (circadian variation); Improper sample collection or handling; Recent use of contrast agents
- Result Patterns: Consistently elevated with symptoms: Suggests true pathology requiring imaging and further workup; Single elevation without symptoms: May represent false positive; Episodic elevation pattern: Classic for pheochromocytoma with episodic catecholamine release; Normal result with clinical suspicion: May indicate need for repeated testing or 24-hour urine collection
Section 4: Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord); Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; Adrenal medulla; Heart and cardiovascular system; Kidneys; Gastrointestinal tract
- Associated Medical Conditions: Pheochromocytoma (catecholamine-secreting adrenal tumor); Paraganglioma (extra-adrenal catecholamine-secreting tumor); Parkinson's disease; Autonomic dysfunction; Hypertension (essential and secondary); Carcinoid syndrome; Neuroblastoma; Dopamine-secreting pituitary adenoma; Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
- Diseases This Test Helps Diagnose: Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma: Most common indication; Neuroendocrine tumors; Autonomic nervous system disorders (POTS, dysautonomia); Hypertensive emergencies of unclear etiology; Movement disorders with suspected dopamine dysfunction; Neurofibromatosis type 1 with suspected pheochromocytoma
- Potential Complications from Abnormal Results: Hypertensive crisis from excessive catecholamine release; Cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial infarction; Stroke and cerebrovascular events; Pulmonary edema; Acute coronary syndrome; Cardiomyopathy; Seizures; Metabolic complications; If pheochromocytoma is present, risk of life-threatening complications during surgery or anesthesia if not properly prepared
Section 5: Follow-up Tests
- Recommended Additional Tests: Complete catecholamine panel: Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine; 24-hour urine metanephrines and catecholamines; Plasma free metanephrines (more sensitive for pheochromocytoma); Imaging studies: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis; MRI of abdomen; MIBG scintigraphy; PET-CT imaging; Genetic testing: If pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma suspected, testing for SDH, VHL, RET mutations
- Further Investigations: Clonidine suppression test: To differentiate pheochromocytoma from other causes of catecholamine elevation; Glucagon stimulation test: May provoke catecholamine release in pheochromocytoma; Orthostatic vital signs: Assessment of autonomic function; Electrocardiogram and cardiac stress testing: To assess cardiovascular impact; Renal function tests and electrolytes: To assess end-organ damage
- Monitoring Frequency: For confirmed pheochromocytoma: Annual screening for metastases; Post-surgical follow-up as recommended by endocrinologist; For familial syndromes (MEN2, VHL, SDH mutations): Regular surveillance even if initial testing negative; For medical therapy: Periodic reassessment every 6-12 months; After treatment initiation: Follow-up testing at 2-4 weeks to assess response
- Complementary Tests: Plasma renin activity: If hypertension suspected; TSH and thyroid function: Dopamine-secreting tumors may affect thyroid; Prolactin levels: If dopamine-producing pituitary tumor suspected; Blood pressure monitoring: Serial measurements; Comprehensive metabolic panel: To assess overall endocrine function; Chromogranin A: Additional marker for neuroendocrine tumors
Section 6: Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: Yes - Fasting is required for optimal results
- Fasting Duration: Minimum 8-12 hours of fasting prior to sample collection; Preferably overnight fast; No food or caloric beverages after midnight if morning collection scheduled
- Special Instructions: Avoid caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks) for 24 hours prior to testing; Discontinue or modify medications as directed by physician: Stop decongestants and sympathomimetic agents 48 hours before test; Avoid phenothiazines and tricyclic antidepressants per physician instruction; Continue prescribed essential medications unless instructed otherwise; Avoid smoking and nicotine products 24 hours before testing
- Pre-Test Patient Preparation: Rest in supine (lying down) position for 20-30 minutes prior to blood draw to obtain standardized baseline; Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before testing; Minimize emotional and physical stress before collection; Avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to test; Empty bladder before resting period; Remain in relaxed state until blood collection; Have adequate sleep night before testing; Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; Arrive early to avoid rushing and additional stress
- Sample Collection Details: EDTA (lavender-top) tube is required for plasma sample; Proper tube must be used as anticoagulant affects dopamine stability; Sample should be collected in morning for consistency; After collection, sample must be kept on ice immediately; Transport to laboratory on ice within 15 minutes; Improper handling can falsely elevate or lower results; Some laboratories may require repeat testing if sample handling compromised

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