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HelpTest Code PLCAT Catecholamine, Plasma
Additional Codes
Epic EAP: LAB870
Epic Description: CATECHOLAMINES, FRACTIONATED, PLASMA
Synonym
Plasma Cat
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine
PCAT
Collection Limitations
Collect in Pre-chilled tube and place immediately on ice
Specimen Type
Blood
Specimen Required
| Collection Container | Preferred Volume | Minimum Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred |
2 – Dark Green, Sodium Heparin – No Gel |
2 X 10.0 mL | 2 X 10.0 mL |
| Alternate | 2 – Lavender, EDTA | 2 X 10.0 mL | 2 X 10.0 mL |
Specimen Stability
6 hours at room temperature or refrigerated; 30 days frozen
Instructions for Collection and Transport
The patient should rest in a supine position for 30 minutes in a quiet room. Collect 2 pre-chilled tubes and place immediately on ice. Internal specimens should be transported to CSR Laboratory immediately.
Remote Locations: Centrifuge specimen in refrigerated centrifuge. If not available, centrifuge in a regular centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection. Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 1000 x G. The plasma must be free of red blood cells. Aliquot plasma immediately into 2 plastic vials. Freeze immediately. Transport frozen on dry ice.
Home Health Agencies: Not available for collection by Home Health.
Aliquot Requirements
Plasma
Optimum 4.0 mL
Minimum 2.5 mL
Performing Lab
Sendout Lab
Reference Lab: Warde Laboratories, Referral code: CATFP
http://www.wardelab.com/test_page.asp?test=CATECHOLAMINES%2C+FRACTIONATED%2C+PLASMA
Assay Frequency
Monday – Friday
Routine Turnaround Time
4-7 days, excluding weekends and holidays.
CSR Storage Requirements
Centriufge tubes in refrigerated centrifuge. If not available, spin in a regular centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection. Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 1000 x G. The plasma must be free of red blood cells. Remove plasma immediately and aliquot into two plastic vials. Transport to Sendout lab immediately or freeze plasma. Store frozen if holding overnight. CRITICAL FROZEN
CPT Code Information
82384
Patient Preparation
Patient Preparation: Patients should be relaxed in either a supine or upright position before blood is drawn. States of anxiety and stress can cause fluctuations in the catecholamine levels. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection. Overnight fasting is required.