You are in Medical Library . The test is used primarily to screen for, diagnose, and monitor treatment of pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma .
Catecholamines are chemically-similar small molecules that are derived from the amino acid tyrosine.
Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system and is also in the brain. Epinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the brain but is also a major hormone in the body. Epinephrine causes a breakdown of glycogen to glucose in liver and muscle , causes the release of fatty acids from the adiposes, causes the vasodilation of small arteries within muscle tissue, and increases the rate and strength of the heartbeat. How The Test Is Performed Catecholamines can be measured in the blood or urine. Catecholamine metabolites are measured in the urine.