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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Pheochromocytoma Profile Test

The Pheochromocytoma Profile Test helps diagnose pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor causing high blood pressure and other symptoms. It measures key markers in plasma and urine.

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 and 24-hour urine collection.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Avoid certain medications, substances, foods, and vigorous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during specimen collection. Consult the laboratory for a detailed list of items to avoid.
Test priceKSh 26,000

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 Pheochromocytoma Profile 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.

Talk to a claims advisor

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.

Have these ready when we check

  • 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.

01

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.

  • ✓Suspected pheochromocytoma
  • ✓Symptoms of excessive catecholamine release (e.g., severe headaches, palpitations, sweating)
  • ✓Investigation of unexplained or resistant hypertension
  • ✓Family history of pheochromocytoma
  • ✓Pre-operative screening for patients undergoing adrenal surgery
  • ✓Monitoring patients with known pheochromocytoma
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

To aid in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, a tumor that secretes excessive catecholamines, leading to symptoms like hypertension, headaches, palpitations, and sweating.
The Pheochromocytoma Profile Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to identify pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that primarily affects the adrenal glands. This tumor can lead to excessive production of catecholamines, resulting in severe hypertension and other debilitating symptoms. Early detection through this test is crucial for effective management and treatment.

This comprehensive test evaluates several components, including Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), Metanephrines, Catecholamines, and Chromogranin A. These markers are measured through a combination of plasma and 24-hour urine samples, providing a thorough assessment of catecholamine levels in the body.

This test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches, palpitations, excessive sweating, or high blood pressure. Additionally, those with a family history of pheochromocytoma or related genetic conditions should also consider this test. Early detection can lead to timely treatment and help manage symptoms related to excessive catecholamine production. Results will indicate whether catecholamine levels are elevated, suggesting the presence of a pheochromocytoma. A healthcare provider will interpret these results and discuss potential next steps.
03

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.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

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

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

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.

3

Understand your report

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

05

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 →
PreparationAvoid certain medications, substances, foods, and vigorous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during specimen collection. Consult the laboratory for a detailed list of items to avoid.
SamplePlasma and 24-hour urine collection.
MethodologyMeasurement of VMA, Metanephrines, Catecholamines, and Chromogranin A in plasma and 24-hour urine samples using laboratory-specific methods.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Certain medications, foods, and stress can interfere with test results. False positives and negatives can occur. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

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.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor, usually found in the adrenal glands, that produces excessive amounts of catecholamines (hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline).
Common symptoms include severe headaches, palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), excessive sweating, high blood pressure, anxiety, and tremors.
The test involves collecting both a plasma (blood) sample and a 24-hour urine sample. Specific preparation is required before collection.
Measuring markers in both plasma and urine provides a more comprehensive assessment of catecholamine production, increasing the accuracy of the diagnosis.
A healthcare provider will interpret the results. If results are abnormal, further investigations or treatment may be recommended.
08

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.

Hospitals & clinics

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

Doctors & specialists

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

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

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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