Medical expert of the article
New publications
Total normetanephrines in urine
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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 excretion of total normetanephrines in urine are 30-440 mcg/day.
Total normetanephrines are intermediate products of norepinephrine metabolism. They are determined for the purpose of pheochromocytoma diagnostics. Unlike other products of catecholamine metabolism, the content of normetanephrines in urine is not affected by antihypertensive drugs. When evaluating the results of the study, it is necessary to take into account that the content of normetanephrines and metanephrines in urine may increase after heavy physical exertion, hypoglycemia caused by insulin, when takingT4 drugs, nephropathy, hepatitis.
The sensitivity of metanephrine and normetanephrine determination for pheochromocytoma diagnosis is 67-91%, specificity is 100%. The reliability of pheochromocytoma diagnosis increases if urine for testing is collected after an episode of high blood pressure.
[