Dopamine, Plasma
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Plasma
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs).
- Dopamine, Serum/Plasma
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Dopamine, Plasma - Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [1]. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) [2].
Neuroblastomas occur predominantly in children and are the most common malignancy under 1 year old. Neuroblastomas are catecholamine-metabolizing tumors, and thus catecholamine metabolites (including VMA and HVA) are more reliable than catecholamines as biochemical markers for neuroblastomas [1]. However, urinary VMA and HVA levels may have limited accuracy for diagnosis of neuroblastomas with high-risk metastatic biology [1]. Because poor prognosis is associated with immaturity of catecholamine metabolism, dopamine levels in urine or blood have been proposed as an additional marker to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [3].
Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, but the relative amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine varies widely. Measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are recommended by the Endocrine Society for the initial biochemical testing of PPGLs [4]. In patients with high clinical suspicion but normal blood pressure and normal levels of metanephrines, measurement of dopamine and its metabolites (HVA and methoxytyramine) may help diagnose PPGLs that predominantly secrete dopamine [2].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
References1. Eisenhofer G. Monoamine-producing tumors. In: Rifai R, et al. eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier Inc; 2022.
2. Jain A, et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2020;35(4):581-594.
3. Brodeur GM, et al. J Clin Oncol. 1993;11(8):1466-1477.
4. Lenders JW, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):1915-1942
2–5 business days
≥18 years Supine: <16 pg/mL
Upright: <27 pg/mL
- Fasting means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL frozen plasma collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 6 hours
- Refrigerated: 6 hours
- Frozen: 31 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Received room temperature • Received refrigerated
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
