Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Metanephrines Fractionated Random Urine Test

Detects neuroendocrine tumors like pheochromocytomas by measuring metanephrine and normetanephrine levels in a random urine sample. Essential for early diagnosis and management.

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: Random urine sample. A 24-hour urine collection may also be requested; confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Avoid certain medications (Alpha-Methyldopa, Buspirone, Codeine, Isoproterenol metabolite, Mandelamine, L-dopa, Paracetamol, Metoclopramide), foods (pepper), and substances (alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco) for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Avoid strenuous exercise before collection. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory.

Test priceKSh 17,000

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 Metanephrines Fractionated Random Urine 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
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Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

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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.

✓Symptoms of potential pheochromocytoma (e.g., persistent headaches, sweating episodes, palpitations, high blood pressure).
✓Family history of neuroendocrine tumors.
✓Monitoring patients with known pheochromocytoma.
✓Evaluation of adrenal masses found during imaging.
✓Assessing risk in individuals with genetic predispositions.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and other neuroendocrine tumors that secrete catecholamines. It helps assess the risk associated with these conditions and guides further diagnostic steps and treatment planning.

The Metanephrines Fractionated Random Urine Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify neuroendocrine tumors, particularly pheochromocytomas. These tumors can cause serious health issues if not detected early. The test measures the levels of metanephrines (metanephrine and normetanephrine) in a random urine sample. These substances are produced when the body breaks down catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). Elevated levels can indicate the presence of tumors that secrete these hormones. Early detection through this test is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. This test is non-invasive, requiring only a urine sample.

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.

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PreparationAvoid certain medications (Alpha-Methyldopa, Buspirone, Codeine, Isoproterenol metabolite, Mandelamine, L-dopa, Paracetamol, Metoclopramide), foods (pepper), and substances (alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco) for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Avoid strenuous exercise before collection. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory.

SampleRandom urine sample. A 24-hour urine collection may also be requested; confirm with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is typically used to measure the concentrations of metanephrine and normetanephrine in the urine sample.

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

Certain medications, foods, and activities can interfere with test results. False positives or negatives can occur. Results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings.

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

A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excess catecholamines (hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline), which can cause high blood pressure and other symptoms.

Measuring metanephrines in a random urine sample can provide a snapshot of catecholamine production over time, which can be useful for detecting tumors that secrete hormones intermittently.

If your metanephrine levels are elevated, your doctor will likely recommend further tests, such as imaging studies (CT or MRI scans) or additional biochemical tests, to confirm the diagnosis and locate the tumor.

No, this test does not typically require fasting, but certain dietary restrictions (like avoiding tea, coffee, and pepper) and avoiding strenuous exercise are necessary before sample collection.

Some medications can interfere with the test results. It is crucial to inform the laboratory and your doctor about all medications you are taking. You may need to temporarily stop certain medications before the test.

No, the test involves providing a simple urine sample, which is not painful.

Collaboration

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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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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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