METANEPHRINES, 24HR URINE

1. Provide clinical history & patient's current drug history. 2. 10mL aliquot of 24 hour urine (preferred if transporting/ shipping) or entire 24 hour urine volume collection is required. TOTAL 24 hour urine volume (mL) is MANDATORY (if an aliquot is submitted). 3. Discontinue antihypertensive drugs if feasible (multiple drugs can increase or decrease metanephrine levels; to be done by the patient in consultation with the attending clinician). If possible, patient should abstain from drugs from 72 hours prior to collection and during collection. Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, labetalol & sotalol should be discontinued at least 1 week prior. 4. Avoid stimulating drinks (coffee, tea) bananas, pineapples from 48 hours prior to and during collection. 5. Accurately timed 24 hour collection (e.g. 6a.m., day 1 to 6a.m., day 2) is crucial for result accuracy. Collect urine in a clean wide mouth container & transfer entire collection into the container that was provided by the lab. Refrigerate during collection. Keep container supplied by the lab out of reach of children (contains corrosive substances i.e. 10-30ml 6M HCl). Do not consume foods rich in serotonin (e.g. bananas, pineapple, cereals, potatoes, coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla etc.) For 72 hours prior to sample collection. Avoid strenuous exercise. 6. Patients must be furnished with sufficient instructions prior to collection: refer to relevant phlebotomy aid (Phleb/Aid7) or lab handbook section on 24 hour urine collection or video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjF-9n0FOrw