Advances in Biochemical Screening for Phaeochromocytoma using Biogenic Amines

摘要: Biochemical testing for phaeochromocytoma is performed in diagnostic laboratories using a variety of tests with plasma, serum or 24-hour urine collections. These include catecholamines and their methylated metabolites - the metanephrines, either individually combination sulfated metabolites. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) continues to be dominant analytical method biogenic amine quantitation. Chromatographic techniques are changing, improvements sample preparation procedures, column technology more specific analyte detection tandem mass spectrometry. Enrolments quality assurance programs indicate that there still many Australasia analysing urinary than metanephrines. Nevertheless, clinical evidence expert opinion favour metanephrines as analytes highest sensitivity phaeochromocytoma. Practical issues such better chemical stability easier specimen collection also over catecholamines. For these reasons, it likely increasingly will replace catecholamine plasma However interpreting positive results, need remains consider pre-test probability use potentially interfering medications.