Medical expert of the article
New publications
Total metanephrines in the urine
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Reference values (norm) for urinary excretion of total metanephrines are 2-345 mcg/day.
Total metanephrines are intermediate products of adrenaline metabolism. 55% of adrenaline metabolism products are excreted in urine in the form of metanephrine. A significant increase in the content of metanephrines in urine is detected in patients with pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma (in children), ganglioneuroma. The study is prescribed together with the determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine in order to increase the probability of diagnosing the listed diseases.
To diagnose pheochromocytoma, it is better to study the concentration of metanephrines in a single portion of urine obtained immediately after an attack of arterial hypertension. False-positive results are possible in patients receiving chlorpromazine, benzodiazepines, or sympathomimetics.
[