Test Price
1,500 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Metanephrines Fractionated, 24-Hour Urine Test – DHA-Licensed Laboratory in Dubai Healthcare City
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- Clinical Utility: Gold-standard biochemical screening for catecholamine-secreting tumors including pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and neuroblastoma.
- Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity achieved through ISO 9001:2015 certified HPLC-ED / LC-MS/MS methodology.
- Logistics: Temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection service – kit delivery and sample pickup available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
- Clinical Guidance: Post-test telephonic interpretation provided by a DHA-licensed Specialist Diagnostic Radiology practitioner.
- Insurance Support: Direct billing verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Fractionated Metanephrines 24-Hour Urine Test precisely quantifies metanephrine and normetanephrine, the O-methylated metabolites of epinephrine and norepinephrine. This assay is the definitive screening tool for ruling out catecholamine-producing neoplasms in patients presenting with adrenal incidentalomas, resistant hypertension, or paroxysmal symptoms consistent with catecholamine excess. The methodology employs high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), delivering unparalleled specificity and negating interference from common dietary compounds.
| Feature | Our ISO-Certified Assay | Alternative Immunoassay |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Platform | HPLC-ED / LC-MS/MS | Chemiluminescent Immunoassay |
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | 99.9% | ~90% (cross-reactivity risk) |
| Turnaround Time | 72 hours (next working day after collection) | 5–7 working days |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"The fractionated metanephrine profile in a meticulously collected 24-hour urine specimen remains the most reliable biochemical gatekeeper for pheochromocytoma. A negative result, obtained after strict adherence to the pre-test preparation protocol, provides robust clinical reassurance. However, interpretation must always be integrated with the patient's full clinical context, including cross-sectional imaging and familial genetic risk when indicated."
— Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology, DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Critical Pre-Test Advisory
Do not discontinue any prescribed antihypertensive or other chronic medication without explicit instruction from your treating physician. Abrupt cessation of certain drugs can precipitate severe hypertensive crises or other life-threatening events. Any medication adjustments for the purpose of this test must be coordinated exclusively by your managing clinician.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Indicators
- Exclusion Criteria: Current hypertensive urgency or emergency, major surgery within the preceding 14 days, or inability to safely pause non-essential interfering medications under medical supervision.
- Emergency Indicators: Sudden onset of severe headache, palpitations, diaphoresis, or blood pressure exceeding 180/120 mmHg during the collection window requires immediate emergency department evaluation regardless of test status.
- Pediatric Protocol: For patients under 18 years, sample collection and preparation must be supervised by a parent or guardian following the detailed kit instructions provided.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What foods and medications must I avoid before providing a 24-hour urine sample for metanephrines?
Short Answer: Strictly avoid alpha-methyldopa, buspirone, codeine, paracetamol, metoclopramide, tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for 72 hours prior to and during the collection period.
Even minor deviations from this protocol can produce false-positive results due to analytical interference or physiological catecholamine elevation. A complete list of prohibited substances is included in the collection kit. If accidental exposure occurs, contact the laboratory immediately to reschedule.
2. How is the 24-hour urine collection performed and what does the home collection service include?
Short Answer: A specialized kit with a pre-acidified container (HCl to maintain pH 1–2) is delivered to your home. You collect every drop of urine for 24 hours, record the total volume, and the sample is retrieved via our temperature-controlled cold-chain courier.
On the morning of collection, void and discard the first urine. Then collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the first void of the following morning. Store the sealed container in a cool, dry place or refrigerator (do not freeze). The kit includes detailed pictorial instructions, a requisition form, and a biohazard bag for safe transport.
3. What is the cost of the test and does my insurance cover home collection?
Short Answer: The test is priced at 1,500 AED. We verify direct billing with major UAE insurers; contact our billing team via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 to confirm your specific policy coverage.
The price reflects the advanced HPLC-MS/MS analytical platform, ISO-certified cold-chain logistics for specimen integrity, and the inclusion of the specialized collection kit with pH-stabilizing preservative. This investment ensures diagnostic accuracy that prevents unnecessary invasive procedures and expedites appropriate clinical management.
4. How should I interpret my results and when will I receive them?
Short Answer: Results are reported within 72 hours. A normal result effectively rules out pheochromocytoma; an elevated result requires correlation with clinical and imaging data and may trigger confirmatory testing.
Your report will include reference ranges specific to the 24-hour urine matrix. A DHA-licensed specialist provides a complimentary telephonic interpretation to discuss next steps. Elevated metanephrine levels may indicate an adrenal medullary tumor, while elevated normetanephrine is more suggestive of an extra-adrenal paraganglioma. Clinical correlation is mandatory.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Your data is protected under UAE Federal Law.
All personal health information is handled in strict 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 protocols adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
DNA Labs UAE holds DHA Facility License Number 1143 and operates under ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139). All laboratory processes are subject to regular audit by the Dubai Health Authority and the Emirates International Accreditation Centre.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Metanephrines Fractionated, 24-Hour Urine |
| Price (AED) | 1,500 |
| Turnaround Time | 72 hours (next working day after receipt of sample) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | 24-Hour Urine (collected in HCl-preserved container, pH 1–2) |
| Methodology Used | High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ED) tandem Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | Z13.29 (Encounter for screening for other endocrine disorders) / C74.1 (Malignant pheochromocytoma) / D35.0 (Benign adrenal tumor) |
| LOINC Code | 32209-8 (Metanephrines panel - 24 hour Urine) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | License No. 1143 — Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE — DNA Labs UAE |
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