Catecholamine Tests Test

Catecholamine tests measure the levels of certain hormones (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in your blood or urine. These hormones are released during stress. High levels that stay high may be a sign of rare tumors.

What this test measures

Catecholamine tests measure the amount of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in your urine or blood. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands and are released during physical or emotional stress.

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

High levels may be a sign of a pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or paraganglioma tumor. If you are being treated for one of these tumors, high levels may mean your treatment is not working. However, high levels can also be caused by stress, vigorous exercise, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

What are catecholamines?

Catecholamines are a group of hormones made by your adrenal glands. The main types are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline).

Why would I need a catecholamine test?

The test is most often used to diagnose or rule out rare tumors such as pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or paraganglioma.

What do high catecholamine levels mean?

High levels may be a sign of a tumor, but they can also be caused by stress, exercise, caffeine, smoking, or alcohol.

Can the test be used to monitor treatment?

Yes, the test may be used to see if treatments for these tumors are working.

What should I do if I have questions about my results?

Talk to your health care provider. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.

Sources

MedlinePlus: Catecholamine Tests — NIH MedlinePlus

Last updated July 7, 2026. Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.