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Advice for patients having tests to measure biogenic amines

Link to measurement of biogenic amines.

PLASMA METANEPHRINES AND 3-METHOXYTYRAMINE
DIET No dietary changes are necessary.
CAFFEINE Do not have any alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks or food for 8–12 hours before the test. (Includes some soft drinks, some energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate.)
SMOKING Avoid nicotine (cigarettes, cigars, nicotine patches/gum) for 24 hours before the test.
ACTIVITIES Avoid strenuous exercise (e.g. jogging) for 24 hours before the test.
MEDICATIONS Your doctor should list all prescribed medications on the request form.

On the day of the test

Fast for at least 4 hours before the test, preferably overnight (8–12 hours).

Sit down quietly for 10 minutes before the blood sample is taken.

Depending on the result, your doctor may recommend repeating the test with the blood collected after lying down quietly for 30 minutes.
URINE METANEPHRINES AND 3-METHOXYTYRAMINE
DIET No dietary changes are necessary.
CAFFEINE Do not have any alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks or food for 8–12 hours before beginning the test, and for the duration of the urine collection. (Includes some soft drinks, some energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate.)
SMOKING Avoid nicotine (cigarettes, cigars, nicotine patches/gum) for 24 hours before the test and for the duration of the urine collection.
ACTIVITIES Avoid strenuous exercise (e.g. jogging) for 24 hours before the test and for the duration of the urine collection.
MEDICATIONS No paracetamol for 48 hours before the test, and for the duration of the urine collection.
Your doctor should list all prescribed medications on the request form.  

On the day of the test

Collect all urine passed in a 24 hour period following the local laboratory protocol.
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Version 4

Date Summary of changes
22/11/2012 Taken to August 2012 Reference Committee meeting
03/09/2013 Review second yearly
29/03/2014

Discussed at October 30 2013 Reference Committee meeting and the following changes made to: 

Advice for patients having tests to measure biogenic amines

  • Plasma free metanephrine and normetanephrine updated and changed to Plasma metanephrines and 3-Hydroxytyramine
  • Medications and on the day of the test sections updated
  • Urine total metanephrines updated and changed to Urine metanephrines and 3-Hydroxytyramine
  • Plasma catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and urine free catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) information deleted as no longer recommended
31/05/2017

Transferred to new eviQ website. Version change to V.3. 

Previous website ID: 1445
15/04/2019

ACI discussed at Nov 2018 RCM and discussion continued over email. Approved with the following changes made:

  • 3-hydroxytyramine changed to 3-methoxytyramine in all instances.
  • Advice on sitting/resting before blood sample is taken updated.

Version changed to V.4. ACI to be next reviewed alongside associated protocols (IDs 3558 & 3601).

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The currency of this information is guaranteed only up until the date of printing, for any updates please check:

https://www.eviq.org.au/p/3275

01 Mar 2021