Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Catecholamines Plasma Test

Measures epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in plasma to help detect hormonal imbalances related to conditions like hypertension and anxiety. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Plasma collected in Green Top (Sodium Heparin) or Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. Specific volume and number of tubes required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Patient should be at rest for 30 minutes before sample collection. Avoid certain medications (e.g., Aldomet, Labetalol) for at least 72 hours prior. Confirm specific medication restrictions with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 21,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Catecholamines Plasma Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

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Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

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Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Unexplained weight loss
✓Persistent hypertension
✓Anxiety or panic attacks
✓Suspected adrenal gland tumors
✓Symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma
✓Evaluation of neuroendocrine tumors

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of conditions associated with abnormal catecholamine levels, such as pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and certain neuroendocrine tumors. It helps assess hormonal imbalances related to stress response and blood pressure regulation.

The Catecholamines Plasma Test measures the levels of catecholamines, specifically epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, in your blood plasma. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and are involved in the body's stress response. This test is used to help identify conditions related to hormonal imbalances.

This test detects the concentrations of: - Epinephrine: Involved in the fight-or-flight response. - Norepinephrine: Helps regulate blood pressure and stress response.

Patients experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent hypertension, anxiety, or panic attacks may benefit from this test. It can also be important if there are signs suggesting adrenal tumors. Discuss with your doctor if this test is appropriate for you.

Results indicate the levels of these hormones in your plasma. Elevated levels may suggest an underlying condition requiring further medical evaluation. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →

PreparationPatient should be at rest for 30 minutes before sample collection. Avoid certain medications (e.g., Aldomet, Labetalol) for at least 72 hours prior. Confirm specific medication restrictions with the laboratory before booking.

SamplePlasma collected in Green Top (Sodium Heparin) or Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. Specific volume and number of tubes required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyLaboratory-specific methods are used to measure catecholamine concentrations in plasma. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

Results can be affected by stress, physical activity, certain medications, and improper sample handling. False positives or negatives may occur. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Catecholamines are hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, produced by the adrenal glands, that help the body respond to stress.

This test measures catecholamine levels to help diagnose conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as adrenal tumors or certain types of hypertension.

You may need to avoid certain medications and rest before the sample is collected. Specific instructions will be provided by the laboratory.

The test requires a blood sample to measure the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the plasma.

A healthcare provider will interpret the results based on reference ranges and your individual clinical situation. Elevated levels may indicate a need for further investigation.

Home sample collection services may be available in major cities. Please inquire with the laboratory for details and booking.

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

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Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

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LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

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Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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