Collect	Green (Sodium Heparin)
	Transport	Frozen
	Minimum Volume	3.0 mL Plasma
	Remarks	If possible, patients should discontinue all drugs at least 1 week prior to collection. Medications known to interfere with the assay include: Alpha-methyldopa (Aldomet), Isoproterenol, Labetalol, Mandelamine, Metoclopramide, Acetaminophen (high concentrations only), Cimetidine, and Catecholamine-containing drugs, MAO inhibitors, diuretics and vasodilators. 1. The patient must stop smoking and drinking coffee or tea for a minimum of four hours before sample is drawn. 2. Insert an intravenous catheter and reassure the patient as he/she rests in a supine position for 30 minutes in a quiet room. 3. At the end of 30 minutes, draw 10 mL of blood into each of 2 pre-chilled vials containing heparin (green top). 4. Separate plasma in a refrigerated centrifuge at 4°C within 30 minutes after phlebotomy. Transfer plasma into plastic vials and freeze immediately at -70 C. 5. Send specimens on dry ice. The effect of drugs on catecholamine results may not be predictable.
	Notes	Separate plasma from cells and freeze ASAP.

82491 *The CPT codes provided are based on the AMA guidelines and for informational purposes