Test Price
1,200 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Plasma Free Metanephrines Test in UAE | Price, Purpose & Protocol
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- Diagnostic Accuracy: >99% sensitivity via ISO 9001:2015 accredited LC-MS/MS analysis for plasma free metanephrines and normetanephrines.
- Premium Logistics: VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across all UAE emirates.
- Clinical Guidance: Telephonic post-test consultation with a DHA-licensed specialist to contextualise your numerical results and recommend next steps.
- Insurance Facilitation: Direct billing verification available through WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Plasma Free Metanephrines test is a targeted LC-MS/MS assay that quantifies free metanephrine and free normetanephrine concentrations in peripheral plasma. It is the gold-standard biochemical screening tool for detecting catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumours, specifically pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. This test is indicated for patients with resistant hypertension, adrenal incidentalomas, paroxysmal symptoms (headache, palpitations, diaphoresis), or a family history of MEN2 or neurofibromatosis type 1.
| Feature | Our Test (LC-MS/MS Plasma Free) | Closest Alternative (Urinary / ELISA) |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) | Immunoassay (ELISA) or HPLC with electrochemical detection |
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | >99% for free metanephrines in plasma | 85–90% for urinary total metanephrines |
| Turnaround Time | 2–4 business days (samples arriving Wed/Sat by 9 AM reported by Fri/Tue) | 5–7 business days |
| Sample Stability | Excellent with cold-chain transport and plasma separation within 30 minutes | Prone to analyte degradation without immediate acidification and freezing |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“As your DHA-licensed diagnostic specialist, I want to emphasise that the plasma free metanephrines result must always be integrated with your clinical presentation, cross-sectional imaging, and, when indicated, repeat confirmatory testing. My role is to help you interpret the biochemical profile accurately and coordinate any further investigations or specialist referrals to ensure your safety and peace of mind.”
Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor — Specialist Diagnostic Radiology | DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Clinical Advisory: Medication Continuity
WARNING: Do not discontinue any prescribed antihypertensive or other medication without explicit direction from your treating physician. Abrupt withdrawal can precipitate rebound hypertension or other serious adverse events.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion Criteria: Acute severe hypertension (>200/120 mmHg) at time of collection, recent cerebrovascular accident or myocardial infarction within 4 weeks, inability to comply with the required 72-hour dietary and drug restriction protocol prior to sampling.
- Emergency Red Flags: Sudden onset of severe headache, palpitations, profuse diaphoresis, chest tightness, or suspected hypertensive crisis — seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not wait for test results.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the purpose of the Plasma Free Metanephrines test?
This test measures the concentrations of free metanephrine and free normetanephrine in plasma to aid in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. It is the recommended first-line biochemical test for patients with resistant hypertension, adrenal masses found incidentally on imaging, or symptoms such as episodic headaches, palpitations, and sweating. The high sensitivity of LC-MS/MS technology minimises interference from diet and medications.
2. How should I prepare for this test?
You must avoid bananas, nuts, caffeine, chocolate, and all caffeinated beverages for 72 hours prior to blood draw. Overnight fasting (8–12 hours) is required, and the sample is collected after you have rested supine for at least 30 minutes. Do not take Labetalol, Sotalol, Acetaminophen, Methyldopa, tricyclic antidepressants, ephedrine, amphetamine, or nicotine during the preparation window. Inform your phlebotomist of all medications and supplements you are taking.
3. Is home sample collection available for this test?
Yes. DNA Labs UAE offers hospital-grade mobile phlebotomy across all seven emirates from 8 AM to 11 PM daily. A DHA-licensed phlebotomist will follow the strict pre-analytical protocol: supine rest, ice-cold collection tube, immediate plasma separation, and temperature-controlled cold-chain transport to our ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory. Schedule your appointment via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
4. What do my results mean and what are the next steps?
Your report will include individual values for metanephrine and normetanephrine along with age-appropriate reference intervals. A markedly elevated result suggests the presence of a catecholamine-secreting tumour and warrants confirmatory imaging (CT, MRI, or MIBG scintigraphy) and referral to an endocrinologist. Borderline or mildly elevated levels may require repeat testing after optimisation of medications. Your DHA-licensed specialist will guide you through interpretation and follow-up.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Privacy & Health Information Governance: All personal health data processed during the Plasma Free Metanephrines test is handled in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Clinical safety and patient consent follow the standards mandated by Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Our laboratory holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) and operates under DHA Facility License No. 1143.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Plasma Free Metanephrines (Free Metanephrine & Free Normetanephrine) |
| Price (AED) | 1,200 |
| Turnaround Time | 2–4 Business Days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Plasma (Peripheral Blood) – Cold-chain separation required within 30 minutes |
| Methodology Used | Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E27.5 (Adrenomedullary hyperfunction) / D35.0 (Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland) |
| LOINC Code | 93938-8 (Metanephrines panel – Plasma) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | DNA Labs UAE |
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