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Test ID: CATU    
Catecholamine Fractionation, Free, Urine

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

A 1 mL aliquot of a 24-hour urine collection preserved in acid is absorbed on aluminum oxide at an alkaline pH and eluted with acid. An aliquot of the eluate is injected onto a high-performance reverse-phase paired ion-chromatography column where the catecholamines are resolved into individual components. The catechol is oxidized electronically to an O-quinone. The current generated at the detector is converted by amplifier to a voltage signal and an XY recording is generated.(Jiang NS, Machacek D: Measurement of catecholamines in blood and urine by liquid chromatography with amperometric detection. In Progress in HPLC. Vol 2. Edited by Parvez. VNU Science Press, 1987, pp 397-426; Moyer TP, Jiang NS, Tyce GM, Sheps SG: Analysis for urinary catecholamines by liquid chromatography with amperometric detection: methodology and clinical interpretation of results. Clin Chem 1979;25:256-263)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

2 days (not reported on Sundays)

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

4 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester